Archive · 31 Oct 2025
UN Security Council to Vote on Morocco's Western Sahara Autonomy Plan
Imagine two groups arguing over a piece of land called Western Sahara.
One group, Morocco, says the land is theirs and offers a plan where the people living there can have their own local government, but Morocco would still be in charge of big things like defense.
The other group, the Polisario Front, wants the people to vote on whether they should be completely independent.
The United Nations Security Council is about to vote on a U.S.-drafted resolution that suggests Morocco's plan for local rule could be the best way to solve this long-running argument.
Some countries like the U.S. and France already support Morocco's idea.
The vote will also decide if a UN peacekeeping team can stay there for another year.
The Polisario Front and Algeria are unhappy with the idea of supporting Morocco's plan as the main basis for talks.
The UN Security Council is set to vote on a resolution backing Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara as a potential solution.
Morocco's plan would grant local self-governance while maintaining Moroccan control over defense and foreign affairs.
The Polisario Front seeks independence for Western Sahara and desires a referendum with independence as an option.
The resolution also includes a one-year renewal of the UN peacekeeping force's (MINURSO) mandate in the region.
Several countries, including the U.S., France, and the UK, have recently shown growing support for Morocco's autonomy proposal.
- Who
- United Nations Security Council, Morocco, Polisario Front, Algeria, U.S., France, UK, Spain
- What
- Vote on a resolution supporting genuine autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty as a basis for negotiations, and renewing the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force (MINURSO).
- When
- Friday
- Where
- United Nations
- Why
- To find a solution to the 50-year-long conflict over Western Sahara.
Polisario Front / Algeria
Morocco
Proposed Solution
Polisario Front / Algeria
Advocates for a referendum on independence for Western Sahara.
Morocco
Proposes an autonomy plan for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty, establishing local governance with Moroccan control over key sectors.
Basis for Negotiations
Polisario Front / Algeria
Refuses to engage in negotiations based on a resolution supporting the autonomy plan.
Morocco
Supports its autonomy plan as the basis for negotiations to resolve the conflict.
Referendum Option
Polisario Front / Algeria
Wants a referendum that includes independence as a choice.
Morocco
Does not explicitly support a referendum with an independence option as part of its autonomy proposal.
- Event
- UN Security Council Vote on Western Sahara Resolution
- Proposed Solution
- Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara
- Conflict Duration
- 50 years
- Morocco's Stance
- Considers Western Sahara its territory; proposes autonomy
- Polisario Front's Stance
- Seeks an independent state; wants referendum with independence option
- Key Supporters of Autonomy
- U.S., France, UK, Spain, increasing European states