UN Security Council pushes for negotiations on Moroccan autonomy plan

Tuesday 15 April 2025 - 15:10

By: Dakir Madiha

UN Security Council pushes for negotiations on Moroccan autonomy plan

The United Nations Security Council convened behind closed doors on April 14, 2025, to address the issue of Moroccan Sahara. In a notable context, the United States reaffirmed its support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, prompting UN Secretary-General's personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to propose a revival of negotiations within the next three months.

This shift in tone aligns with recent discussions in Washington between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio reiterated former President Trump's call for a solution based exclusively on the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty, described as the "only possible path."

Washington's backing now appears to directly influence UN directives. De Mistura emphasized the need for a "mutually acceptable" solution while notably omitting references to a referendum or territorial partition, focusing solely on serious discussions about autonomy.

The UN diplomat also highlighted France's increasing role in the matter, noting the direct involvement of two permanent Security Council members: the United States and France. However, he expressed concerns over deteriorating relations between Rabat and Algiers, underscoring the heightened risks of regional escalation amid a lack of dialogue, border closures, and an arms race in the area.

De Mistura further addressed the situation in the Tindouf camps, conveying his emotional response to the plight of the populations, who have neither been identified nor counted for decades.

As 2025 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Sahara issue being on the UN agenda, the Secretary-General’s envoy views the upcoming three months as a "window of opportunity" to establish a roadmap toward a political resolution.

Although described as an "ordinary" meeting by Moroccan ambassador to the UN, Omar Hilale, this session could signify a turning point in managing the issue. The diplomatic weight of Washington, combined with a shifting international context, may alter the dynamics within the Council.

It remains to be seen whether the fifteen Council members, particularly the permanent ones, will translate this momentum into tangible progress. One thing is certain: the Moroccan autonomy plan is increasingly viewed as the sole realistic solution on the table.