Algeria has announced its decision to abstain from voting on the UN Security Council resolution concerning the renewal of the MINURSO mandate. This decision follows extensive negotiations, with Algeria deeming the resolution as falling short of expectations and lacking explicit reference to the Polisario Front’s proposal.
The decision comes after intensive diplomatic efforts undertaken by Algeria across multiple fronts, including Algiers, New York, and Washington. These efforts successfully introduced significant amendments to the proposed text, laying a foundation for the United States’ desire to revitalize the settlement process between the Polisario Front and Morocco.
While the initial draft of the resolution was perceived as favoring the Moroccan position, the adopted resolution presents a more balanced approach. It opens the door to all possible proposals from both parties, emphasizing that a final solution must be based on the UN Charter, principles of international law, and be acceptable to both sides, guaranteeing the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
The resolution also supports MINURSO’s efforts to assist the UN envoy in finding a peaceful political solution and renews its mandate for a full year, instead of the initial three-month period proposed. The UN Secretary-General is granted the authority to assess the mission’s future based on the progress of negotiations.
Furthermore, Algeria successfully advocated for the inclusion of a new clause obligating the Secretary-General and his personal envoy to implement all relevant Security Council resolutions, rather than solely referencing resolutions issued since 2007. This ensures that all prior resolutions are recognized equally.
According to sources, Algerian diplomacy played a crucial role in persuading several Council members to pressure the United States to remove language that described the Moroccan autonomy proposal as “serious, credible, and realistic.” The resolution now acknowledges it as one of the possible options within a negotiation process aimed at enabling the Sahrawi people to exercise their right to self-determination.
This stance underscores Algeria’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty, independent decision-making, and rejection of any pressure or compromises. It reaffirms Algeria’s continued advocacy for the rights of oppressed peoples, foremost among them the Sahrawi people’s right to freely choose their own destiny. Algeria remains steadfast in its support for a just and lasting resolution to the Western Sahara conflict. This commitment reflects a core tenet of Algerian foreign policy.
