The United Nations Security Council on Friday adopted its annual report for 2024, which includes an update on the status of the Sahara conflict, reaffirming the Council’s existing stance on the regional dispute.
The report, reviewed during a formal session at U.N. headquarters in New York, summarizes the Council’s regular meetings and briefings from key officials, including the U.N. Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura, and the head of the U.N. Mission for the Referendum in Sahara (MINURSO), Alexander Ivanko.
The Council reiterated its long-standing call for a “just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution,” consistent with previous resolutions, including Resolution 2756 adopted on Oct. 31, 2024, which extended MINURSO’s mandate through Oct. 31, 2025.
Although the report was adopted by consensus, Sierra Leone’s representative expressed reservations over a specific paragraph related to the Sahara, stating it suggested a political position not formally endorsed by the Council. The delegate emphasized that Sierra Leone had joined the consensus to preserve the spirit of collective decision-making but disassociated from the paragraph to avoid any misinterpretation that might undermine U.N. neutrality.
The statement sparked mixed reactions. Russia’s representative, who led the drafting of the report’s preamble, argued that all Council members had been given the opportunity to voice concerns before the procedural deadline in February and that post-adoption amendments are not allowed.
China echoed the importance of upholding established procedures, while U.S. and French delegates voiced support for Sierra Leone’s concerns, with France asserting that political nuances in language should not be dismissed due to procedural formalities.
Algeria’s representative, aligned with the Polisario Front, refrained from addressing the substance of Sierra Leone’s objection, instead emphasizing procedural consistency.
Ultimately, the Council adopted the report without changes. It is officially recorded under document reference S/2025/336 and includes updates from Ivanko and de Mistura regarding ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the Sahara issue.
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