The United Nations Security Council adopted, on Friday, October 31, 2025, a new resolution on the Moroccan Sahara issue, reaffirming its full support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative of 2007 as the realistic, fair, and lasting solution to end the regional dispute.
The resolution passed with 11 votes in favor, 3 abstentions (China, Russia, Pakistan), and one non-participation — Algeria.
The Council reaffirmed all previous UN resolutions and expressed its full support for UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, in their efforts to facilitate negotiations among the four parties — Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario — based on consensus and realistic self-determination, within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.
The resolution emphasized that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty represents the most realistic and feasible solution, while commending the broad international support for the Moroccan proposal.
It decided to extend the MINURSO mandate until October 31, 2026, calling for respect of the ceasefire and urging all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine the political process.
The Council invited member states to support the ongoing negotiations and welcomed the United States’ initiative to host future dialogue rounds in support of the UN mediation efforts.
It also expressed deep concern over the severe funding shortage affecting refugees in Tindouf, urging for their registration and increased humanitarian aid.
Finally, the Council requested the Secretary-General to submit a strategic review of MINURSO within six months, and decided to remain actively seized of the matter.
The Security Council,
Recalling and reaffirming all its previous resolutions concerning Western Sahara,
Expressing its full support for the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, in their efforts to implement Security Council resolutions and advance the political process, including through ongoing consultations between the Personal Envoy, Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania, to build upon progress achieved,
Reaffirming its commitment to assisting the parties in achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution based on compromise, consistent with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, including the principle of self-determination, and recognizing the roles and responsibilities of the parties,
Emphasizing the urgent need for the parties to resolve this dispute, recognizing the momentum and urgency, and commending the important role of MINURSO in supporting the Personal Envoy’s efforts to achieve a mutually acceptable political solution,
Taking note of the support expressed by many Member States for the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, presented to the Secretary-General on 11 April 2007, as a basis for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution,
Affirming that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty constitutes the most realistic and feasible solution,
Welcoming the Council members’ commitment to facilitate progress,
Commending the Personal Envoy’s initiative to hold meetings among the parties to build upon current momentum and seize this historic opportunity for lasting peace,
Encouraging full and genuine participation in negotiations,
Expressing appreciation to the United States for its willingness to host negotiations in support of the Personal Envoy’s mission to achieve a solution to the Western Sahara question and for the wider region,
Stressing the importance of respecting the ceasefire and avoiding any actions that could undermine the political process,
Expressing deep concern over the funding shortfall for Sahrawi refugees and urging donors to provide additional contributions, while reiterating the call for refugee registration,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General dated 30 September 2025 (S/2025/612),
Decides as follows:
Extends the mandate of MINURSO until 31 October 2026;
Expresses full support for the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to lead negotiations based on Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative as a pathway toward a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, consistent with the UN Charter, and welcomes any constructive proposals by the parties;
Calls on the parties to engage in these discussions without preconditions, taking the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative as the basis, to reach a final and lasting political solution ensuring realistic self-determination for the people of Western Sahara, recognizing that genuine autonomy represents the most viable outcome, and encouraging the submission of ideas to support a final agreement;
Calls on Member States to provide support and assistance for these negotiations and the efforts of the Personal Envoy;
Requests the Secretary-General to provide regular briefings to the Council and, within six months, to present a strategic review on the future of MINURSO, taking into account the results of the negotiations;
Decides to remain seized of the matter.
