After lengthy negotiations, members of the UN Security Council finalized a draft resolution extending MINURSO’s mandate until October 31, 2026, emphasizing that the Moroccan autonomy plan as the most realistic solution for Western Sahara. Despite Algeria’s recent diplomatic efforts, the text calls for unconditional talks and raises concern over the underfunding of humanitarian aid for Sahrawi refugees.
Less than twenty-four hours before the Security Council meeting, the final U.S.-drafted resolution on the Sahara reaffirms the primacy of Morocco’s autonomy plan and delivers a stern warning to the Polisario, despite last-minute amendments.
The European Union continues to sideline the Polisario Front in discussions concerning the distribution of «financial benefits to the Sahrawi people» in relation to free trade agreements with Morocco. Brussels is conducting these negotiations exclusively with Rabat.
On the eve of the UN Security Council meeting dedicated to discussing MINURSO’s mandate, the Polisario Front sent a letter to the Council’s president expressing its firm rejection of the U.S. draft resolution, describing the text as a «serious and unprecedented deviation» from the principles of international law.