Sahara draft resolution restores self-determination
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on TSA
The Security Council draft resolution on the Sahara reintroduces self-determination in its operative provisions and no longer presents Moroccan autonomy as the only viable solution. The text also removes criticism of the Polisario Front and threats of further measures, TSA reports ahead of Friday’s scheduled vote.
The UN Security Council draft resolution on the Sahara reintroduces self-determination in its operative provisions and no longer presents autonomy as the only viable solution. The text, which is due to be put to a vote on Friday 30 October with the United States as the penholder, is moving towards a negotiated solution, according to TSA.
The ‘blue draft’ also drops criticism of the Polisario Front for its lack of commitment to negotiations, as well as the threat of further measures against parties deemed uncooperative. It also removes the requirement to reduce MINURSO’s military personnel by 50% before 31 January 2027, and abandons the deadline setting the end of its mandate for 30 April 2027. The mission’s reconfiguration has been postponed and eased, according to TSA.
The text could still be amended before the vote if the United States accepts changes proposed by other Security Council members. Russia, a permanent member with veto power, reaffirmed its commitment to a solution consistent with the UN Charter and said its position on the Sahara had not changed, according to a source close to the matter cited by TSA.
The draft comes after several international positions favourable to Rabat, including Germany’s support for Moroccan autonomy on 28 October. It also follows the US easing of MINURSO’s reorganisation, announced the same day, and Russian support for extending the mission’s mandate, reported on 28 October.
