The United Nations Security Council decided, Thursday, to renew for one year the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). This decision, recorded in resolution 2756, extends the mandate of the UN mission until October 31, 2025. This resolution, sponsored by the United States, also reaffirms the support of the Security Council for the Moroccan autonomy initiative for the Sahara, a plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 as a lasting solution to the regional dispute.
Resolution 2756 recognizes the Moroccan initiative as a “serious and credible basis” for ending this conflict, in accordance with previous UN resolutions. It also supports the ongoing efforts of the UN Secretary General and his Personal Envoy for the Sahara in the search for a “realistic, pragmatic and lasting” solution based on compromise.
Acquired by Morocco and new elements integrated into the resolution
The Kingdom of Morocco welcomed the adoption of the resolution. In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad stressed that the resolution preserves Morocco’s achievements and introduces new elements essential to the evolution of the file. This adoption comes in a context marked by an “irreversible” trajectory driven by King Mohammed VI in favor of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom, a process supported by numerous permanent members of the Security Council and several influential countries.
The resolution confirms that round tables remain the “one and only framework” for reaching a political solution, thus reaffirming the relevance of this negotiation format. It also designates the parties concerned, explicitly including Algeria, cited as many times as Morocco, as a major player in the regional dispute. Furthermore, the text recalls that the solution must be “realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and based on compromise”, principles which are at the heart of the Moroccan autonomy initiative.
Morocco’s role in human rights and management of the Tindouf camps
The resolution welcomes Morocco’s efforts in the area of human rights in the southern provinces, noting the initiatives taken by the commissions of the National Human Rights Council in Dakhla and Laâyoune, as well as the active interaction of the Kingdom with the mechanisms of the UN special procedures. It also calls for a registration of populations in the Tindouf camps, in southwest Algeria, in response to concerns about the humanitarian situation in these camps.
Algeria, identified as a party to the dispute, attempted to introduce two amendments to the draft resolution, but these modifications were rejected by the Council. Furthermore, during the vote on the resolution, the neighboring country chose not to participate, thus signaling its isolation in the Security Council, which adopted the text by 12 votes in favor, with two abstentions.
The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that this choice of Algeria demonstrates “the isolation of its position within the international community”. The statement also notes that this attitude contrasts with Algeria’s alleged desire to support UN efforts, while its non-participation in the vote reveals an “obstructionist” position.
In his speech delivered on October 11, King Mohammed VI reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to a final settlement under Moroccan sovereignty. The Security Council’s renewed support for the autonomy initiative is a continuation of Morocco’s efforts to advance a political process within the UN framework.
LNT
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