Polisario protests Morocco speech as UN momentum builds behind autonomy

Polisario protests Morocco speech as UN momentum builds behind autonomy
Thursday 25 December 2025 - 21:16

The Polisario Front has again addressed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council, this time through a letter to Slovenia’s permanent representative to the UN, objecting to Morocco’s intervention during a high level UN meeting marking the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

The letter challenged Morocco’s reference to Security Council Resolution 2797, which reaffirmed broad international support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as a realistic and credible basis for resolving the Sahara dispute.

Polisario argued that Morocco’s statement sought to impose a negotiation framework it does not accept.

The move comes as Slovenia holds the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council, despite Ljubljana having supported Resolution 2797 while calling for a mutually acceptable political solution. Analysts say the timing highlights the limits of Polisario’s diplomatic leverage as the UN process increasingly favors pragmatic and implementable solutions.

Political analyst Cherki Khettab said Polisario’s correspondence reflects a strategy aimed at undermining the political momentum generated by Resolution 2797, particularly as discussions move toward renewed negotiations under Moroccan sovereignty and the autonomy initiative.

He noted that the resolution clearly established autonomy as the reference framework for talks, a position consistently reinforced throughout the drafting process and final adoption.

Salek Rahal, spokesman for the Sahrawis for Peace movement, said the letter illustrates Polisario’s refusal to accept the political reality created by the resolution, which references autonomy repeatedly as the basis for a lasting settlement.

He added that the message mirrors Algeria’s diplomatic positions and seeks to preempt any direct or indirect negotiations facilitated by UN envoy Staffan de Mistura.

Mohamed Fadel Bekkay, head of the Sahrawis for Peace political studies center, said Resolution 2797 marked a turning point, leaving little room for reinterpretation. He argued that continued objections will not alter a UN trajectory increasingly aligned with Morocco’s proposal, which enjoys growing international backing.

add your comment

Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.

News
Storm alerts differ as heavy rain forecast across Morocco and Iberian peninsula
Wednesday 11 November 2026 - 12:00

Storm alerts differ as heavy rain forecast across Morocco and Iberian peninsula

News
Spain begins dismantling Ceuta migrant camps three months after mass crossings
Wednesday 11 November 2026 - 09:24

Spain begins dismantling Ceuta migrant camps three months after mass crossings

General
Moroccan political parties still owe $1 million in public funds, audit court finds
Tuesday 10 November 2026 - 23:42

Moroccan political parties still owe $1 million in public funds, audit court finds

News
Morocco faces challenge as Europe seeks to rebuild its automotive industry, Minister says
Tuesday 10 November 2026 - 18:27

Morocco faces challenge as Europe seeks to rebuild its automotive industry, Minister says