فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In a significant diplomatic development reflecting broad consensus within the UN Security Council, UN sources reported that the United States, as the penholder for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (المينورسو), on the evening of Monday, October 27, 2025, distributed the final blue draft resolution to all Council members in preparation for a vote scheduled for Thursday, October 30. This move comes as the current mandate expires on October 31, 2025, aiming to strengthen political efforts toward a peaceful settlement of the conflict. This report reviews the draft’s main contents, diplomatic context, and future prospects, relying on official information to ensure accuracy and objectivity.
Key Contents and Importance of the Final Draft
The draft, prepared by the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration, is based on the October 2025 report by Secretary-General António Guterres and proposes a three-month extension of the MINURSO mandate until January 31, 2026, rather than the traditional annual renewal. This shorter extension is a strategic measure to increase pressure on parties for tangible progress in political negotiations, allowing the possibility to alter or end the mission depending on pending outcomes.
Notable provisions include:
- Affirmation of the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative: The resolution calls on the parties to engage in immediate negotiations without preconditions, based on Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal as the “most viable” solution for a final, acceptable political settlement, while respecting the principle of self-determination for the Sahrawi people within Moroccan sovereignty. This approach reflects growing support from permanent members such as the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.
- Support for the Personal Envoy’s Efforts: It underscores the importance of the continued role of Personal Envoy ستيفان دي ميستورا in advancing dialogue, requesting periodic reports from the Secretary-General within six weeks of mandate renewal, with a final assessment before expiration regarding the mission’s future.
- Focus on the Region: It highlights the need for coordination with Morocco’s neighbors to reduce regional tensions, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a strategic partner for African stability.
The broad consensus on the draft signals U.S. diplomacy’s success in securing majority Council support despite previous tensions, such as Russia and Mozambique’s abstentions on the 2024 extension.
Diplomatic Context and Morocco’s Position
The draft distribution follows intensive consultations, including private meetings with troop-contributing countries and the Secretary-General’s report emphasizing humanitarian and human rights challenges, like the absence of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visits for nine consecutive years. Algeria rejected the draft as biased and submitted amendments that were not supported, while the Polisario Front affirmed its non-engagement in any political process based on it, insisting on a referendum on self-determination.
Morocco views this development as a confirmation of its growing international backing, with the autonomy proposal recognized by three permanent Security Council members as a realistic framework for resolution. The draft is expected to enhance regional stability and urges member states to support negotiations.
Future Outlook and Expected Vote
With the vote approaching on October 30, overwhelming adoption of the resolution is anticipated, opening a new phase of intensive dialogue over the next three months. This limited extension may lead to a reassessment of MINURSO’s role, focusing on transitioning toward a politically consensual solution.
Conclusion
The distribution of the draft resolution marks a critical step in advancing the political process in the Moroccan Sahara, emphasizing sustainable, pragmatic solutions. This broad international agreement reflects the global community’s commitment to peaceful dialogue amid complex regional challenges, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a pillar of stability in North Africa.
