The Sahara issue remains one of the longest-running regional conflicts. Initially, the UN sought to resolve it through a self-determination referendum, but after nine years, the plan proved impractical, leading to new proposals, first the Framework Agreement, then a partition plan, and finally Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative in 2007. This initiative marked a turning point, as the UN Security Council gradually adopted it as the basis for negotiations, culminating in its historic 2025
Following its failure to defend the Polisario's positions at the Security Council, Algeria is attempting to sway internal media opinion. Its Foreign Minister claimed that the country has «thwarted«Morocco's plans, even though Algiers was unable to persuade any member to vote against the resolution.
On Saturday evening, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita discussed the diplomatic negotiations that took place prior to the adoption of Resolution 2797 by the United Nations Security Council. This resolution extends the mandate of MINURSO and reaffirms the framework for the political process concerning the Sahara.
The UN Security Council has made its decision: Morocco’s Autonomy Plan is now the official reference for resolving the Sahara dispute. This marks a major diplomatic victory for Rabat on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Green March. It reshapes the regional balance, isolates the Polisario, and leaves Algeria facing a strategic choice, cling to a weakening front or, under U.S. pressure, take the path of pragmatic peace.