By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Lebrief
The second version of the US draft resolution on the Sahara eases the terms for reorganising MINURSO, while maintaining Morocco’s autonomy plan as the basis for negotiations and providing for the mission to be renamed. Distributed on 26 October, the text is due to be put to a Security Council vote on 31 October, according to Lebrief.
Ongoing story · day by day
Guterres and the UN place self-determination at the center of negotiations on the Sahara, while several countries support Morocco’s autonomy plan.
28 OctGermany reaffirms support for Moroccan autonomy in the Sahara
28 OctUN makes Moroccan autonomy sole basis for negotiations on the Sahara
27 OctAttaf and Lavrov discuss the Sahara at Moscow meetingUN Security Council Resolution 2797 shifted autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty from a solution that “could constitute” a basis to the “sole basis” for negotiations. The change occurred within a year, according to TelQuel, which traces the steps before the 31 October 2025 vote.
🇲🇦 Morocco · Source: Telquel ·
Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance has presented the defence of sovereignty over the Sahara as a diplomatic priority in the 2027 draft finance bill. The budget document refers to Security Council Resolution 2797, 30 general consulates opened in the southern provinces and the promotion of Morocco’s autonomy initiative, according to Le Matin.
🇲🇦 Morocco · Source: Le Matin ·
The final version of the US draft resolution provides for extending MINURSO’s mandate until 31 October 2027 and removing its role in organising a referendum. It also calls for a strategic review within six months, which could lead to a gradual reduction in the military component, and provides for registration of refugees in the Tindouf camps, according to Yabiladi.
🇲🇦 Morocco · Source: Yabiladi ·
Germany reaffirms support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative for the Sahara and backs the strategic review of MINURSO. This position strengthens diplomatic support for a negotiated political solution under United Nations auspices, according to Lebrief.
🇲🇦 Morocco · Source: Lebrief ·
Mohammed VI launches Tanger Med 3 and advances Nador West MedKing Mohammed VI reviewed progress on Nador West Med and launched construction of Tanger Med 3 in Morocco. Nador West Med’s first terminal is due to begin operations in the coming days, according to a statement from the Royal Cabinet.
Kyiv considers action against Russian maritime convoy linked to Africa CorpsUkrainian military intelligence is tracking four Russian-flagged ships whose AIS signals have been switched off, as they are reportedly carrying equipment for the Africa Corps. Kyiv is said to be ready to intervene against the maritime convoy currently under way, according to Intelligence Online.The week in Africa
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