UN's Landmark Resolution: Pathway to Peace in Western Sahara

The United Nations Security Council has endorsed a resolution suggesting that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is a potential solution to the conflict over Western Sahara. This territory, contested with the Polisario Front for decades, remains a focal point in Africa’s longest territorial dispute since Spain left in 1975.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Mike Waltz, encouraged all parties to engage in substantial discussions in the upcoming weeks, emphasizing the possibility of achieving regional peace within this year. Although the resolution was favored by 11 council members, Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained, and Algeria did not participate in the voting process.

The resolution has prompted mixed political reactions. Algeria’s representative criticized the exclusion of the Polisario Front’s views, while Morocco supports a solution offering local governance but retaining control over key areas. Public celebrations erupted in Morocco, though the Polisario Front intends to formally respond after evaluating the resolution.