The Security Council and the Western Sahara: Between Self-Determination and Implicit Recognition of Moroccan Sovereignty

The Security Council and the Western Sahara: Between Self-Determination and Implicit Recognition of Moroccan Sovereignty

On 31 October 2025, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2797, extending the mandate of its long-standing mission in Western Sahara. For the first time, the resolution explicitly referenced Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Proposal as a foundation for negotiations and the potential final status of the region.

The 2007 proposal envisions Western Sahara as a self-governing territory under Moroccan sovereignty and aims to balance the principle of self-determination with a degree of local autonomy.

“Calls upon the 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.”

The “draft in blue,” serving as the final version of the resolution, underscores that genuine autonomy could represent the most feasible outcome. It further encourages all involved parties to submit new ideas in support of a mutually agreed political settlement.

Resolution 2797, authored by the United States, passed with 11 votes in favor and three abstentions from China, Pakistan, and Russia. Algeria opted not to vote.

Author’s Summary

The UN Security Council’s Resolution 2797 subtly aligns with Morocco’s autonomy plan, marking a shift toward pragmatic acknowledgment of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.

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