The adoption of the new resolution on Western Sahara was not received in the same way by Rabat and Algiers. While Morocco welcomed the UN resolution, the Polisario Front voiced its disappointment, threatening to «reconsider its engagement in the UN peace process».
As planned, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution, extending the mandate of the MINURSO for 12 months, until 31 October 2020 by 13 votes in favor to none against, with 2 abstentions (Russia and South Africa).
The fall of former US National Security Advisor has apparently had an impact on the draft resolution that Washington submitted to the UN Security Council on the Sahara. But to Rabat, it is too soon to claim victory as South Africa is not willing to sit idly by.
In a series of events, the Polisario Front has been insisting on the idea of being the only «legitimate representative of Saharwis». To back its stand, the Front relies on a non-binding resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly in the 1970s.
In a regional seminar held by the UN Special Committee on Decolonization, the Polisario sought the opportunity to make mention of «self-determination» and «independence». Meanwhile, Morocco sent elected representatives from the Sahara to attend the UN seminar.
In resolution 2468, the UN Security Council urged parties involved in the Western Sahara conflict to cooperate with MINURSO and facilitate its mission in the region. In addition to human rights monitoring, the UN resolution contains challenging points for Morocco.