### UN Security Council Endorses Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara: A Diplomatic Shift The United Nations Security Council has recently voted to support Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, marking a significant diplomatic victory for Rabat. This resolution, passed on October 31, 2025, represents the strongest international endorsement of Morocco's claim to the territory, which has been a point of contention for decades. The plan has garnered backing from the United States, several European Union nations, and an increasing number of African countries. Notably, the resolution does not mention a U.N.-backed referendum for self-determination, a point of contention for Algeria and other supporters of the pro-independence Polisario Front. The resolution also extends the mandate of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in the region for another year, indicating ongoing international involvement in the conflict [https://apnews.com/article/un-western-sahara-morocco-peacekeeping-force-0a07d389db0e88c35beeb5f0462ea221]. ### Breakdown of the UN Resolution's Implications 1. **Support for Morocco's Plan**: The resolution recognizes Morocco's autonomy proposal as the primary framework for negotiations regarding Western Sahara, sidelining calls for a referendum on independence [https://www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2025/10/31/western-sahara-morocco-secures-diplomatic-victory-at-the-un_6746977_124.html]. 2. **International Backing**: The resolution has received support from key international players, including the U.S., Spain, France, and Germany, indicating a shift in the geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict [https://www.euronews.com/2025/10/31/un-security-council-approves-resolution-backing-moroccos-plan-for-western-sahara]. 3. **Opposition from Algeria**: Algeria, a long-time supporter of the Polisario Front, has expressed strong opposition to the resolution, which it views as undermining the rights of the Sahrawi people to self-determination [https://www.guardian.com/world/2025/oct/31/un-approves-resolution-supporting-moroccos-claim-to-western-sahara]. 4. **Renewal of Peacekeeping Mission**: The resolution also extends the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, emphasizing the ongoing need for international oversight in the region [https://stkittsgazette.com/un-security-council-supports-moroccos-plan-for-western-sahara]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Votes**: The resolution was passed with a divided vote, reflecting the contentious nature of the issue within the Security Council. - **Geopolitical Context**: The conflict over Western Sahara has persisted for over 50 years, with Morocco controlling most of the territory while the Polisario Front seeks independence. - **International Relations**: The U.S. recognition of Morocco's claim in 2020, following normalization of relations with Israel, has significantly influenced the current diplomatic landscape [https://24newshd.tv/31-Oct-2025/un-security-council-vote-morocco-plan-western-sahara]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter in Western Sahara's Dispute In summary, the UN Security Council's recent resolution represents a pivotal moment in the long-standing conflict over Western Sahara. 1. **Endorsement of Autonomy**: The resolution endorses Morocco's autonomy plan as the most viable solution, sidelining calls for a referendum [https://turkiyetoday.com/world/security-council-endorses-moroccos-autonomy-plan-as-basis-for-western-sahara-3209298]. 2. **International Dynamics**: The backing from major powers indicates a shift in international consensus, potentially isolating Algeria and the Polisario Front [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3679426-un-decision-looms-western-saharas-future-at-crossroads-with-autonomy-resolution]. 3. **Future Implications**: The extension of the peacekeeping mission suggests that while a resolution may be on the horizon, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges [https://srnnews.com/un-to-vote-on-backing-moroccos-autonomy-plan-for-western-sahara]. This development could reshape the geopolitical landscape of North Africa and influence future negotiations regarding the region's status.