With 11 Members Voting in Favour, 3 Abstaining, Security Council Adopts Resolution 2797 (2025), Renewing Mandate of UN Mission in Western Sahara for One Year
The Security Council today renewed for one year the mandate of the long-standing United Nations peacekeeping mission in the disputed Western Sahara, referencing Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal presented in 2007 — which envisions the territory as self-governing under Moroccan sovereignty — as a basis for negotiations.
Authorizing the continued operations of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 31 October 2026, the 15-member organ adopted resolution 2797 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2797(2025)) with 11 votes in favour to none against, with 3 abstentions (China, Pakistan and Russian Federation). Algeria did not participate in the vote.
MINURSO was established by Council resolution 690 (1991) in accordance with UN-Organization of African Unity settlement proposals accepted in 1988 by Morocco and the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y de Río de Oro (Frente POLISARIO). The settlement proposals, as approved by the Council, provided for a transitional period for the preparation of a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara would choose between independence and integration with Morocco. While the referendum has never taken place, MINURSO has continued to perform the tasks entrusted to it by the Council.
Support to Take as Basis Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal
In today’s text, the Council expressed "its full support for the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in facilitating and conducting negotiations taking as basis Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable resolution to the dispute, consistent with the UN Charter" and welcomed "any constructive suggestions by the parties in response to the Autonomy Proposal".
The 15-member organ also called upon the parties to the dispute 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".
It also recognized that "genuine autonomy could represent a most feasible outcome" and encouraged the parties to submit ideas to support "a final mutually acceptable solution".
The Council also requested the Secretary-General to submit a strategic review within six months on MINURSO’s future mandate, considering the progress of the talks.
Historic Vote for ‘Long, Long Overdue Peace in Western Sahara’
The representative of the United States, which drafted the text and led negotiations on it, welcomed "today’s historic vote, which seizes upon this unique moment and builds on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".
"We’ve made a genuine effort to incorporate everyone’s proposals, and they were quite numerous from across the Council," he recalled, adding that the United States and its President Donald J. Trump are resolute in their "support for peace".
He urged all parties to use the coming weeks to engage in serious discussions, using Morocco’s "credible and realistic" autonomy proposal as "the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute".
"We believe regional peace is possible this year, and we will make every effort to facilitate progress towards this shared goal of peace and prosperity for the people of Western Sahara," he concluded.
Text Does Not Sufficiently Reflect UN Doctrine on Decolonization
Algeria’s delegate, however, said the text does not faithfully nor sufficiently reflect the United Nations doctrine on decolonization — a doctrine that has allowed many countries to join the United Nations.
He quoted former United States President Woodrow Wilson: "Peoples are not to be handed about from one sovereignty to another by an international conference or an understanding between rivals and antagonists. National aspirations must be respected. Peoples may now be dominated and governed only by their own consent. Self-determination is not a mere phrase; it is an imperative principle of action."
"I invite you all to think deeply about what was said in that statement," the delegate added.
He went on to note the text’s shortcomings. It falls short of the expectations and legitimate aspirations of the people of Western Sahara, represented by the Frente POLISARIO, who for over 50 years have fought to determine their own future. Prioritizing one option over others limits the creativity and flexibility needed to reach an agreement in line with UN decolonization doctrine. The text also creates an imbalance by emphasizing the territorial ambitions of one party while neglecting the aspirations of the Sahrawi people. And it ignores the proposals of the Frente POLISARIO, transmitted to the UN Secretary-General and Security Council (S/2025/664). Their opinion, as a party to the conflict, must be heard.
He expressed regret that "President Trump’s initiative to bring peace and détente to our region [...] has not been able to properly get off the ground with the active support of all parties involved".
"Indeed," he added, "this resolution still does not create the necessary momentum or conditions for such an initiative to succeed — a success where everyone is a winner."
Delegates Abstain from Vote on ‘Unbalanced Text’
The representative of the Russian Federation, Council President for October, in his national capacity, said his delegation abstained from the vote as it was "unable to support such an unbalanced text". However, it "decided not to block" the Council’s decision to extend MINURSO’s mandate to "give yet another chance to the peace process". Noting the approach of Washington, D.C., of using the Council to put forward its national position, he voiced hope that his "American colleagues will not ...unfreeze the conflict which has been smouldering for several decades".
He also expressed hope that Personal Envoy de Mistura "will do everything possible" to ensure that, under the new conditions, the parties swiftly reach a mutually acceptable solution enabling the right of Western Sahara to self-determination.
China’s representative voiced support for the one-year extension of MINURSO’s mandate but said his delegation abstained from the vote, as the resolution failed to adequately take on board the concerns of all Council members. On the question of Western Sahara, he stressed that "a political solution is the fundamental way out", with the United Nations as the main channel and dialogue and negotiations as the right approach.
Pakistan also abstained, its representative said, as the text does not fully address important principles, such as the principle of self-determination, enshrined in the UN Charter.
The representative of the Republic of Korea expressed hope that the resolution will encourage the parties to promptly engage in negotiations. However, he added, the text should not be interpreted as prejudging the outcome of those talks.
Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal
For France, its delegate said, the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. "Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this issue must be resolved," he said.
Panama’s delegate recognized Morocco’s efforts and considered the 2007 autonomy plan to be a suitable basis for advancing towards a lasting solution. He reaffirmed that any solution must be based on dialogue, commitment and respect for the principles of international law, urging all parties — Morocco, the Frente POLISARIO, and neighbouring States — to resume negotiations in good faith under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy.
The representative of the United Kingdom welcomed the resolution’s reference to Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal as "the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a solution". The adoption of today’s text is "the start, not the end, of the process to find a mutually acceptable solution", he added.
Sierra Leone’s representative, noting the international momentum in support of the Moroccan autonomy initiative, said "it is time to explore this option as the path toward an acceptable political solution". The initiative is "feasible" because "it does not exclude dialogue or impose an outcome" but instead provides a structured, flexible basis for discussion and remains open to negotiations, he added, calling for a resumed round-table process among all parties.
Focus on Good Faith Negotiations towards Mutually Acceptable Solution
Slovenia’s representative said his delegation voted in favour of the resolution in support of MINURSO and to address "a need and an opportunity for real progress towards a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution" to the nearly 50-year conflict. Welcoming all efforts to bring the parties together, he said this process should "take place on an equal footing and take into account the positions and proposals of all parties".
Denmark’s representative said the Morocco autonomy plan is a good basis for a solution agreed upon between the parties. However, her delegation’s vote in favour of the resolution, she said, "does not constitute a recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara". Any solution must be agreed upon between the parties, she stressed, urging them to engage constructively and in good faith towards a mutually acceptable solution.
The representatives of Greece and Somalia joined others in voicing hope that the parties, following the adoption of the resolution, will engage in good-faith negotiations towards a mutually acceptable solution. Guyana’s representative further emphasized that the political settlement should be "one that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara".
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