The United Nations Security Council has called for a realistic political solution in Western Sahara, approving a US-led resolution to extend the UN mission (MINURSO) until 31 October 2025.
With 12 of the Council’s 15 members voting in favour, the decision faced abstentions from Russia and Mozambique, while Algeria abstained in protest after its proposed amendments were rejected.
The resolution underscored the need to refocus MINURSO’s strategic priorities on the contested territory, a former Spanish colony with significant mineral resources and extensive fishing grounds along the coast.
While Morocco controls most of Western Sahara, the Algeria-backed Polisario Front governs roughly 20 percent and has long advocated for Sahrawi independence, a stance predating Spain’s withdrawal in 1975.
UN Western Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura recently floated a partition plan but met staunch opposition from the Polisario Front, which reiterated the Sahrawi people’s right to full self-determination.
