During a decisive session, the United Nations Security Council once again demonstrated firmness by extending the mandate of MINURSO until October 31, 2025, thus strengthening its support for a pragmatic solution initiated by Morocco. Included in resolution 2756 drafted by the United States, this decision, adopted by 12 votes in favor and 2 abstentions, reaffirms international support for the UN mission in the Sahara and underlines the relevance of the Moroccan autonomy initiative, introduced in 2007, as the most credible and realistic solution for a lasting settlement.
Through this resolution, the Security Council sends a clear message: Moroccan autonomy constitutes the only realistic solution to the conflict. The path is mapped out, and the future of the Sahara is taking shape under the aegis of Moroccan sovereignty, marking a major diplomatic success for Morocco. As for the Algerian maneuvers, which are increasingly isolated, they will have no impact on this trajectory.
Victory for Morocco, increased isolation for Algeria
Taking advantage of its status as a non-permanent member, Algeria attempted to introduce controversial amendments to the draft resolution, seeking to include accusations of an alleged restriction of UN access to southern Moroccan regions and to extend the MINURSO mandate to monitor human rights, hoping to influence the position of the UN. Despite an orchestrated staging to suspend the voting session and dramatize the importance of the amendments, Algeria did not find notable support within the Council. The amendments only received the votes of Slovenia, Mozambique, China and Guyana, well short of the nine votes required for adoption. Russia, although a historic ally of Algiers, inflicted a diplomatic blow on Algeria by rejecting these proposals and specifying that MINURSO already had all the necessary prerogatives to accomplish its mission without having to broaden its mandate.
Thus, in a speech imbued with clarity and firmness, Nicolas de Rivière, permanent representative of France to the United Nations, confirmed the rejection of the Algerian amendments and reaffirmed that the future of the Sahara rests exclusively on Moroccan sovereignty. France’s position joins that of the United States, authors of the resolution, which consider the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the only credible and lasting basis for ending the Sahara conflict. This resolution now reflects the strong and growing support for the Moroccan position, while definitively discarding outdated concepts such as old notions of self-determination or a referendum, which Algeria is trying to revive in vain.
READ ALSO: The Moroccan Sahara: A history engraved in the flesh of Morocco
To the great misfortune of Algeria and faced with the bitter failure of its theatrical attempts, it withdrew from the vote, revealing its limited influence despite its place as a non-permanent member. After this setback, the Algerian representative delivered a speech tinged with resentment, accusing the United States, as “ pen-holder » of the resolution, to have “ deliberately ignored Algeria’s amendments » and denounced a lack of “ blatant neutrality », mentioning a delay of 5 hours in the delivery of the final text which he judged “ not in accordance with previous agreements. He then adopted a victimizing tone by criticizing the “ working methods » of the Council. Without explicitly naming France, the Algerian representative issued a barely veiled threat by affirming that his country would oppose any investment in the Sahara without the approval of “ Saharawi people “. This comment was directly aimed at the recent remarks of President Emmanuel Macron, who affirmed, during his visit to Morocco, France’s support for the economic development of the Moroccan Sahara.
The Security Council seals the triumph of the Moroccan initiative in the Sahara
It must be said, resolution 2756 goes far beyond the simple renewal of the mandate of MINURSO. By placing the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the only serious and viable solution, the Security Council is sending a clear message: the future of the Sahara lies under Moroccan sovereignty. By rejecting the Algerian amendments, this decision reaffirms the support of the international community for a pragmatic approach, isolating Algeria in its attempts at destabilization.
This diplomatic setback for Algeria reveals the limits of its influence in the face of a Security Council aligned with a vision of stability and peace promoted by Morocco. The rejection of Algerian proposals, including those relating to human rights, shows the confidence placed in MINURSO to carry out its mission without the need for an extended mandate. By consolidating this orientation, the Security Council places the autonomy plan as the foundation of lasting peace, closing the door to Algeria’s repeated obstructions. Furthermore, supported by its allies, Moroccan diplomacy is strengthening its base within international institutions, reflecting growing cohesion around a credible and stable solution. This vote constitutes an unequivocal message: the credibility and stability of the Moroccan approach are becoming pillars recognized by the UN. Resolution 2756 thus establishes the Moroccan framework as a serious basis for negotiations, reinforcing the image of a Morocco focused on peace and the future.
This success reflects not only the strength of its alliances but also international convergence in favor of regional stability, where Algerian attempts to garner support are met with growing indifference. Isolated, Algeria must today measure the failure of its maneuvers, which have only strengthened support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, now recognized as a credible solution to the conflict.
