Morocco Gains UN Security Council Support for Western Sahara Settlement Plan
By Trishnakhi Parashar | 26 November 2025
Summary
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) recently adopted a resolution, on 31 October 2025, reaffirming its support for Morocco’s self-rule plan as a serious and credible basis for resolving the Western Sahara dispute, while urging all parties to cooperate with the process.
The UN-led process is likely to strengthen Morocco’s regional capabilities; however, this may also draw diplomatic tensions from the regional stakeholders, including the Polisario Front and Algeria.
The resolution, drafted by the United States (US), was adopted with 11 votes in favour and also extends the mandate of the Western Sahara peacekeeping force for another year.
Context
On 31 October 2025, the UNSC adopted resolution 2797 and formally expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, describing it as a “serious and credible” basis for resolving the Western Sahara dispute, a territory on North Africa’s Atlantic coast. This adoption marked the first Security Council session since 2021 in which the autonomy plan gained clear commendation. The resolution also renewed the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until October 2026, sustaining the mission. It will continue to monitor and support the ceasefire and political dialogue in the vast Western Sahara region.
For years, Morocco has asserted its control over the Western Sahara and considers it an integral part of its territory. However, the area has been claimed by the pro-independence Polisario Front, which receives political and logistical support from Algeria. The Polisario Front aims to create an independent Sahrawi Republic, representing the indigenous Sahrawi people, while the council voted in favour of Morocco’s autonomy plan.
Algeria opposed the vote and publicly voiced its disagreement with the resolution. The Polisario Front rejected the decision. Polisario leader Brahim Ghali said that the movement would refuse to participate in any process that legitimises Morocco’s illegal military occupation of Western Sahara or deprives the Sahrawi people of their right to self-determination.
The decision marks a notable diplomatic success for Morocco, because after years of dispute, the UNSC’s stance is now more closely aligned with Rabat’s position that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty represents the most practical solution. The decision also echoes a shifting pattern in international attitudes - from avoiding taking sides to open endorsement. Countries such as France, Spain, Belgium, and the UAE recently endorsed Morocco’s proposal for resolving the Western Sahara dispute. King Mohammed VI of Morocco described the outcome as a “historic” milestone, and appealed for a "brotherly dialogue" with Algeria and emphasised Morocco’s commitment to the Maghreb Union.
Implications
The adoption of the resolution improves Morocco’s diplomatic influence, strengthening its position as a stable actor. Morocco’s image has been further consolidated as a state capable of aligning international interests towards a negotiated settlement. Endorsements of Morocco’s autonomy proposal improve Rabat’s diplomatic standing in Europe, the Arab world, and the Sahel region. Increased confidence in Morocco’s leadership could also open new avenues for broader political engagements and cooperation across North Africa. For Algeria and the Polisario Front, rejecting the UNSC decision may risk political isolation. Particularly, Algeria’s opposition to the autonomy process may lead to diplomatic rivalry with Morocco.
For the United Nations, extending the MINURSO mandate effectively confirms constant monitoring of the situation and engagement between the involved parties. However, there has been limited operational progress toward a referendum or political settlement. Coordination between regional actors and UN agencies will remain limited due to the lack of consensus. Cross-border transportation and logistical routes could also face disruption, potentially reducing mission effectiveness if any challenges arise.
Yet, the security framework is at risk of escalations, particularly, areas around the buffer zone, where tensions between Morocco and the Polisario Front have historically been high. Ongoing tensions between Morocco and Algeria, both before and after the decision, could complicate intelligence sharing and counterterrorism cooperation across the Maghreb and the Sahel. If this rivalry is sustained, then it could continue to serve as a potential trigger for regional instability. Simultaneously, the Polisario Front may seek broader international support from the African Union or other like-minded states, potentially restarting tension in multilateral forums.
Growing international endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy initiative could attract foreign investment and accelerate development in the Western Sahara, which Morocco refers to as the southern province. The UNSC decision has renewed investor confidence, encouraging contributions to economic opportunities and employment in this resource-rich region. Recently, a financial partnership with Saudi Arabia, aligned with Morocco’s development model, has provided new opportunities for infrastructure funding, renewable energy, and logistics projects. These kinds of initiatives could refresh Morocco’s role as a regional investment center. Although prolonged political uncertainty and limited regional integration could still pressure wider trade growth.
Mehdi El marouazi/Unsplash
Forecast
Short-term (Now - 3 months)
Morocco will likely develop diplomatic outreach in Europe and the Gulf region.
A realistic possibility exists that the UN envoy will hold sessions to re-engage all parties under the renewed mandate.
Tension is likely to arise in UN forums as Algeria and the Polisario Front challenge the resolution’s interpretation.
The absence of mutual agreement is highly likely to diminish confidence in the UN-led framework, affecting regional stability.
Medium-term (3-12 months)
Morocco is highly likely to expand infrastructure development and investment programs in the Western Sahara, reinforcing administrative control.
A realistic possibility exists that Algeria could adopt a more assertive diplomatic stance, slowing the advancement of regional dialogue.
Limited protests are likely to occur in the camp sites of the Sahrawi people to show disappointment with the process.
Long-term (>1 year)
Morocco’s regional influence is highly likely to grow, positioning it as a dependable state in North Africa.
Economic expansions in Morocco’s Western Sahara area will likely depend on continued foreign investment and regional stability.
The absence of direct negotiations will likely limit integration across the Maghreb and intensify an ongoing political dispute.
