Security Council Approves Morocco’s Sahara Autonomy Plan

The United Nations Security council has affirmed that granting real autonomy to the Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty “may be the most feasible solution” to the decades-long conflict.

In a resolution passed on Friday, the Council urged all parties to resume negotiations based on Morocco’s autonomy plan, initially presented to the UN in 2007.The plan proposes establishing a local legislative, executive, and judicial authority for the Sahara, elected by its residents, while Morocco would retain control over defense, foreign affairs, and religious matters.

The vote saw support from 11 council members, with Russia, China, and Pakistan abstaining. Algeria did not participate in the vote.

This resolution represents the strongest endorsement to date of Morocco’s approach, which also enjoys backing from numerous European Union members and a growing number of African nations. Analysts highlight the plan as an advanced model for conflict resolution,granting critically important local powers while upholding Moroccan sovereignty,ensuring resident participation in governance,and safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The resolution acknowledges that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute the most feasible solution.” Morocco first introduced the autonomy plan to the United Nations in 2007, aiming to resolve the long-standing dispute over the Western Sahara.