New York, UN Headquarters – Following extensive negotiations, Algeria abstained from voting on the UN Security Council resolution concerning the renewal of the mandate for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).
The decision, announced Friday, reflects Algeria’s assessment that the resolution falls short of addressing its concerns regarding the Western Sahara conflict. According to sources within the Algerian delegation, the resolution does not adequately reflect the aspirations of the Sahrawi people.
A key point of contention is the resolution’s perceived lack of explicit reference to the proposals put forth by the Polisario Front, which Algeria recognizes as the sole legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people. Algeria has consistently advocated for a solution that ensures self-determination for the people of Western Sahara.
“The resolution, in its current form, does not adequately address the core issues at stake,” stated a source familiar with the Algerian position. “We believe a stronger mandate is required to facilitate a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.”
Algeria’s abstention underscores the complexities surrounding the Western Sahara issue and the divergent perspectives among key stakeholders. The UN Security Council is expected to continue its deliberations on the matter in the coming days.
The MINURSO mission has been present in Western Sahara since 1991, tasked with monitoring the ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front and organizing a referendum on the territory’s future. The referendum, however, has yet to take place due to disagreements over voter eligibility.
