The United States has circulated a new draft resolution at the United Nations concerning the Moroccan Sahara conflict and the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in the Sahara (MINURSO), which is set to expire on Oct. 31, 2025.
The first version of the draft, known as the “zero draft,” was initially scheduled for release last Friday but was delayed until Tuesday evening.
The draft resolution, obtained and shared by Al-Quds Al-Arabi, proposes extending MINURSO’s mandate until Jan. 31, 2026, a shorter period than the typical one-year extension.
It describes Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal as “serious, credible, and realistic,” suggesting it as the primary framework for negotiations. This represents a shift from previous resolutions that recognized the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, including the option of secession.
The draft also calls for the resumption of negotiations among Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania based on Morocco’s autonomy plan.
It urges all parties to engage in these discussions without preconditions, aiming for a mutually acceptable political solution before the end of MINURSO’s renewed mandate.
Algeria has strongly opposed the draft, warning it violates international law and ignores the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. Algerian officials insist that a UN-supervised referendum is the only acceptable way to resolve the conflict.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Algeria will support the option chosen by the Sahrawi people and cautioned that backing Morocco’s autonomy plan risks “legitimizing occupation.”
Ahead of the anticipated Security Council vote, Algeria has intensified diplomatic consultations with Russia. Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf discussed the issue with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, focusing on solutions within international law and UN frameworks.
The Polisario Front has submitted an updated proposal to the UN, revising its 2007 initiative. The separatist group seeks a political solution that guarantees the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination while maintaining regional stability.
The Polisario says it is ready for direct talks with Morocco, provided negotiations respect UN principles and the African Union charter. It warns that any agreement excluding a referendum would violate international law.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials are actively working to mediate the dispute. In a recent interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes, Trump administration envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner said they are pursuing a peace agreement between Morocco and Algeria, aiming for a deal within 60 days. They affirmed U.S. support for the agreement and said it will be upheld.
Massad Boulos, special adviser to the U.S. President on Africa, said he believes Algeria is ready to rebuild trust with Morocco, including with its people, government, and monarchy. He added that the two countries are ultimately “brothers,” sharing common history, values, and mutual interests.
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