UN Security Council Vote Crowns 26 Years of Diplomatic Effort Led by King Mohammed VI
The adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797 represents a major milestone in the Sahara issue, concluding over two decades of steady diplomatic engagement driven by King Mohammed VI to reaffirm Morocco’s long-held rights over its southern provinces.
Passed on Friday, the resolution endorses Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only valid basis for negotiation and extends the mandate of MINURSO until October 31, 2026.
Minister Bourita on the Significance of the Vote
“The vote is the culmination of 26 years of tireless work led by King Mohammed VI to safeguard Morocco’s unity and territorial integrity,” said Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in an interview with 2M TV.
He described the outcome as a transformative moment in the UN’s approach to the Sahara question.
“The rules of the game have changed,” he stated, pointing out that “no state opposed the resolution.”
Bourita emphasized that the new resolution had been refined from 43 paragraphs in 2024 to only 14, removing references to human rights and limiting mentions of humanitarian concerns. He noted that the autonomy plan is cited six times, highlighting its key importance.
Framework and Negotiation Parties
The resolution clearly defines the participants in the negotiation process—Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania—and introduces a one-year deadline for talks under the supervision of UN envoy Staffan de Mistura.
“This is historic because it defines both the framework and the actors,” Bourita stated.
Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy
According to Bourita, Morocco undertook extensive diplomatic efforts to secure support for the resolution. By October 29, nine votes were already guaranteed, underscoring the success of sustained Moroccan diplomacy.
Author’s Summary: The UN’s adoption of Resolution 2797 symbolizes a defining victory for Morocco’s diplomacy, cementing King Mohammed VI’s 26-year commitment to the Sahara issue.