Rabat: The United Nations has urged fresh negotiations to end the decades-long conflict in Western Sahara, basing the talks on Morocco’s proposal for autonomy under its sovereignty. The call came after the UN Security Council adopted a new resolution that describes the Moroccan plan as the most realistic and credible path to resolve the dispute.

The resolution, approved on October 31, 2025, extends the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO, for another year. It also directs the UN Secretary-General to conduct a review of the mission’s work within six months. Eleven members of the Security Council voted in favor, while Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained.

Morocco hailed the decision as a diplomatic success, saying it strengthens international support for its position that Western Sahara should remain under Moroccan sovereignty with a high degree of autonomy. The Moroccan government called the vote a “historic step” that opens a new phase for stability and cooperation in the region.

The Polisario Front, which has been seeking full independence for Western Sahara, rejected the resolution, saying it ignores the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination. The group described the UN’s move as an attempt to legitimize Moroccan control over the territory.

Algeria, a key backer of the Polisario Front, did not participate in the vote and criticized the resolution for sidelining the option of an independence referendum. The country has long opposed Morocco’s claim and has hosted thousands of Sahrawi refugees in camps near its border.

The Security Council’s decision marks a shift in international diplomacy. Many Western countries, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, have increasingly supported Morocco’s autonomy plan as a practical solution after years of stalled talks.

However, analysts warn that the peace process could still face challenges. The Polisario Front has refused to enter discussions under Moroccan terms, and tensions between Morocco and Algeria remain high. The UN has encouraged both sides to engage in negotiations without preconditions.

The coming months will be crucial as the UN reviews the progress of its mission in Western Sahara. The outcome of that review may determine whether the current autonomy-based approach can bring lasting peace to a region that has seen decades of division and uncertainty.