Western Sahara's Independence Quest Takes Center Stage at UN General Assembly

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly has once again provided a platform for advocates of Western Sahara's independence to push for the recognition of the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and independence. This comes as Morocco's claims of sovereignty over the territory continue to face scrutiny. During the high-level general debate, the international community emphasized the UN's legal and moral responsibility towards Western Sahara and its people.

Namibian President Hage Geingob's successor, Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah, reaffirmed her country's support for Western Sahara's cause, stressing the need for a fair and lasting solution that guarantees the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination within the framework of the UN. She emphasized that the UN has a responsibility to push for a just and lasting solution to the Western Sahara issue, in line with the UN Charter and relevant resolutions on decolonization and self-determination.

The Sahrawi delegation, led by Western Sahara's Foreign Minister, Mohamed Yalem Biste, held several meetings with heads of state and officials, securing continued support for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and independence. Angolan President João Lourenço reaffirmed his country's support for Western Sahara's cause, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and the African Union's constitutive act.

The Sahrawi Foreign Minister also met with Lesotho's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone I. T. Taole, and Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who both reiterated their countries' principled and unwavering support for Western Sahara's cause and the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and freedom.

Despite Morocco's attempts to garner international support for its claims of sovereignty over Western Sahara, a UN report dated July 31, 2026, submitted to the 81st General Assembly, reaffirmed that the territory remains a decolonization issue. The report emphasized that Morocco's actions and attempts to secure recognition do not change the territory's legal status as a region awaiting decolonization.

During the session, Morocco's representative attempted to push for unilateral proposals, trying to present them as a fait accompli, and issued misstatements and distortions of fact regarding the international status of Western Sahara. The Sahrawi government criticized Morocco's actions, stating that they aim to divert attention from the country's deepening structural crisis.

The Sahrawi government also highlighted Morocco's expansionist policies, its support for terrorist groups, and its involvement in organized crime, which threaten regional and international security and stability. They argued that Morocco's actions contradict the principles of the UN Charter and that the country is therefore not eligible to hold a seat in a UN body dedicated to maintaining international peace and security.

Key points

• The international community reaffirms its support for Western Sahara's right to self-determination and independence.
• Morocco's claims of sovereignty over Western Sahara face continued scrutiny at the UN.
• The Sahrawi government criticizes Morocco's actions as a threat to regional and international security.