فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Paris – October 31, 2025 – France, in an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed warm welcome for the United Nations Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2756 (2024) on Western Sahara, which extends the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for an additional year until October 31, 2026. The statement described the resolution as “opening a new chapter” in the 50-year conflict, reaffirming France’s support for the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the “most viable” solution, as evidenced by its affirmative vote among the 12 positive votes, against abstentions from Russia, China, and Pakistan, with Mozambique also abstaining and no participation from Algeria.
French Call for Serious Negotiations Under the Personal Envoy’s Auspices
France urged all concerned parties – including Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania – to engage in serious future negotiations under the supervision of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, “without preconditions,” to reach a just and lasting political solution that preserves regional stability. The statement noted that “the resolution reflects the balance sought by the Council, focusing on principles of a realistic political solution,” adding that France will continue supporting diplomatic efforts to build trust among parties, including encouraging economic investments in the southern provinces as a means to promote development and peace.
French Context: Historical Support for the Moroccan Position
This welcome comes in the context of France’s longstanding commitment to supporting Morocco, having officially recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in July 2024, enhancing its role as a key strategic ally in the Council. According to diplomatic reports, France contributed to drafting the final text of the resolution, opposing any additions related to human rights monitoring perceived as “impeding negotiations,” while calling for a strategic report from Secretary-General António Guterres within six months to assess the mission’s future based on dialogue progress. This stance aligns with prior French support for the autonomy initiative, which Paris considers a “realistic solution” that bolsters stability in North Africa.
Regional and International Implications
The resolution’s adoption, sponsored by the United States, represents a positive step toward ending the conflict while maintaining balance between support for autonomy and the right to self-determination, with a request for a strategic review of MINURSO. The Polisario Front and Algeria rejected the text, viewing it as “biased toward Morocco,” while Rabat welcomed it as “international confirmation of the Moroccan identity of the Sahara.” In the context of the 50th anniversary of the Green March, this French support is seen as a boost to investments in the southern provinces, with expectations of a 15% increase in economic partnerships in 2026.
This statement reinforces France’s role as a primary mediator in the conflict, emphasizing that “peace in the Sahara is a regional priority,” reflecting European commitment to a peaceful resolution.
