The United States is set to distribute a draft resolution to member countries of the United Nations Security Council, explicitly supporting Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the sole basis for negotiations regarding the Sahara conflict. The authenticity of the document has yet to be confirmed.
This American draft comes amidst intensive consultations among council members, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Spain, aimed at reviving the political process before the expiration of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) on October 31.
Background of the Conflict and Current Importance
The Sahara conflict, which erupted following Spain’s withdrawal as a colonial power in 1975, continues to provoke regional tensions in North Africa. Morocco asserts its sovereignty over the region, while the Polisario Front calls for full independence on behalf of the Sahrawi people, with the support of Algeria.
The UN established MINURSO in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and organize a referendum on self-determination. However, the referendum has not yet taken place due to ongoing disputes. Recent years have seen significant developments, including the United States’ recognition in December 2020 of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.
During a closed meeting on October 10, UN Secretary-General Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura urged the resumption of the “round-table” process involving Morocco, Algeria, Polisario, and Mauritania before the year ends. This draft serves as a response to that call, emphasizing the urgent need to resolve the 50-year conflict.
The Leaked Draft: Clear Support for the Moroccan Proposal
The draft consists of preliminary paragraphs (PP1 to PP5) and operational clauses (1 to 6), focusing on bolstering diplomatic efforts based on Morocco’s autonomy proposal presented on April 11, 2007.
Preliminary Paragraphs:
- PP1: Reaffirms all previous council resolutions concerning Western Sahara.
- PP2: Expresses full support for the Secretary-General and his envoy de Mistura in advancing the political process, including consultations with the four parties to build on progress made.
- PP3: Confirms the council’s commitment to helping the parties reach a fair, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution in accordance with the UN Charter, emphasizing the urgency of ending the 50-year conflict and acknowledging MINURSO’s critical role.
- PP4: Acknowledges international support for the Moroccan proposal as a more credible basis, emphasizing that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most feasible solution,” while welcoming former President Donald Trump’s leadership in resolving the conflict and calling for immediate dialogue based on the Moroccan proposal.
- PP5: Welcomes the envoy’s initiative to hold meetings with the parties to build momentum and urges full support and good faith engagement, thanking the United States for its willingness to host negotiations aimed at achieving a long-overdue resolution.
Operational Clauses:
- The extension of MINURSO’s mandate until January 31, 2026.
- Full support for the Secretary-General and envoy in facilitating negotiations based on the Moroccan proposal to achieve a fair and lasting solution.
- Calls on the parties to engage in discussions without delay or preconditions based on the Moroccan proposal to reach a final political solution that guarantees genuine autonomy within Morocco, providing for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people.
- Invites member states to offer assistance and support for the negotiations and the envoy’s efforts.
- Requests the Secretary-General to provide periodic reports, including within six weeks of the renewal and before expiration, with recommendations regarding the transition or termination of MINURSO based on the outcomes.
- The council decides to remain informed on the matter.
Unverified Information
The authenticity of the circulated document has not been confirmed, yet it is clear that the United States is moving towards effecting a change in this issue by supporting the Moroccan proposal, a stance that Washington has publicly stated.
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