The Council should therefore decide to extend the mandate of MINURSO until October 31, 2026. More importantly, the resolution changes the diplomatic tone by expressing concern about the “current diplomatic impasse”. It takes note of the “support expressed by many member states” for the Moroccan autonomy plan, considering it “the basis for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution”.
The text goes further by affirming that “real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute the most feasible solution”. This is clear support for the Moroccan proposal as the basis for the resumption of political dialogue. The resolution also welcomes the commitment of Council members, including the United States, France and the United Kingdom, to “facilitate progress.”
A call for negotiations based on autonomy
Consequently, the Security Council urges the parties – Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria and Mauritania – to engage in discussions “without preconditions”, but taking “the Moroccan Autonomy Proposal as a basis”. The aim is to achieve a political solution that “ensures the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara” while recognizing that autonomy is the “most achievable outcome”.
The resolution welcomes the United States’ offer to host these negotiations to support the efforts of Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura. Finally, the text reiterates the importance of respecting the ceasefire and expresses its “deep concern” about the insufficient funding intended for the Sahrawis, while renewing its request for their registration.
