At UN, Morocco defends autonomy after Russian veto on MINURSO
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Le Matin
The UN General Assembly debated on Tuesday 10 November 2026 the reasons for Russia’s 30 October veto of the US resolution on MINURSO, backed by eleven of the Security Council’s fifteen members. The session allowed Moroccan ambassador Omar Hilale to defend autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, while Russia acknowledged some transformations of the territory, according to Le Matin.
At the UN General Assembly, Russia’s deputy permanent representative, Anna Evstigneeva, acknowledged that Washington’s position in favour of Moroccan sovereignty was now being taken into account in discussions on the Sahara. “We take note of Washington’s position and are compelled to take it into account,” she said.
Anna Evstigneeva also acknowledged the transformations carried out on the ground, referring to progress in cities, long-term development, the economy and infrastructure. These achievements correspond to programmes conducted by Morocco in its southern provinces, according to Le Matin.
The 10 November session was held pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 76/262, which provides for a permanent member of the Security Council that has exercised its veto to explain the reasons before member states. It follows the Russian veto of the US resolution on the Sahara on 30 October and the review of the Russian veto on MINURSO on 10 November.
