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. It was a long night for the 15 members of the UN Security Council. After hours of negotiations, a final draft resolution was adopted late Wednesday night, extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for another year — until October 31, 2026. The text reaffirms the political direction taken in recent years: the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 is cited as the most realistic solution. The Moroccan plan is mentioned several times, including a passage explicitly stating that «genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most feasible solution». This reflects the evolving consensus within the Security Council, despite Algeria's recent diplomatic activism. The text also invites the other parties involved — the Polisario Front and Algeria — to submit to submit any «constructive suggestions» in response to the Autonomy Proposal, while notably omitting any reference to the Polisario's letter to the UN Secretary-General. The resolution further «takes note of of the support expressed by many Member States for Morocco's Autonomy Proposal» and welcomes the «commitment of Council members to facilitate progress». It calls on all parties to «engage in these discussions without preconditions, taking as basis Morocco's Autonomy Proposal, with a view to achieving a final and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara». MINURSO Mandate Renewed for One Year The resolution, presented by the United States, reaffirms «its full support for the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura», who is tasked with reviving talks between Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania. The text stresses the need for a political solution based on compromise, in line with the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, including the principle of self-determination. It also expresses concern over the underfunding of humanitarian aid for Sahrawi refugees, strongly encouraging «donors to provide additional funds while reiterating its requests for refugee registration», a long-standing and sensitive issue. The resolution further recalls the importance of respecting the ceasefire, which has been violated by the Polisario since November 13, 2020, and of avoiding any action that could jeopardize the political process. Finally, the resolution requests the Secretary-General to present a strategic review of MINURSO's mandate within six months, depending on the progress of negotiations, and reaffirms that the Council «remains seized of the matter».
