### Morocco's New Holiday Celebrates UN Endorsement of Sovereignty Over Western Sahara - On November 5, 2025, Morocco announced October 31 as a national holiday named "Unity Day" to commemorate the United Nations Security Council's resolution supporting its autonomy plan for the disputed territory of Western Sahara. This decision reflects Morocco's ongoing efforts to assert its claim over the region, which has been a point of contention for decades, particularly with the pro-independence Polisario Front backed by Algeria [https://24newshd.tv/05-Nov-2025/morocco-declares-new-holiday-mark-un-support-w-sahara-plan]. - The UN resolution, adopted on October 31, 2025, marks a significant diplomatic victory for Morocco, as it endorses the country's proposal for autonomy under its sovereignty, effectively sidelining calls for a referendum on self-determination that has been supported by Algeria and other nations [https://apnews.com/article/un-western-sahara-morocco-peacekeeping-force-0a07d389db0e88c35beeb5f0462ea221]. ### Breakdown of the Situation and Implications 1. **UN Security Council Resolution**: The resolution endorses Morocco's autonomy plan as the only viable solution for the Western Sahara conflict, which has persisted for over 50 years. This endorsement is seen as a shift in international support, particularly with backing from the United States and several European nations [https://montageafrica.com/2025/11/04/un-endorses-moroccos-autonomy-plan-for-western-sahara]. 2. **Morocco's Response**: King Mohammed VI hailed the UN's support as a "historic moment," emphasizing the importance of national unity and territorial integrity for Morocco [https://ibtimes.co.uk/un-endorses-moroccos-autonomy-plan-western-sahara-king-mohammed-vi-calls-it-historic-moment-1752075]. 3. **Opposition from Algeria and the Polisario Front**: The resolution has been met with disappointment from Algeria and the Polisario Front, who have long advocated for a referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people. Algeria's opposition remains a significant factor in the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the region [https://www.stvincenttimes.com/major-setback-for-western-sahara-as-un-resolution-favors-morocco]. 4. **International Reactions**: The resolution has garnered mixed reactions globally, with some nations expressing support for Morocco's claims while others, including Russia and China, continue to advocate for self-determination for the Sahrawi people [https://theolivepress.es/spain-news/2025/11/03/un-votes-to-back-resolution-granting-morocco-sovereignty-over-former-colony-western-sahara]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **UN Resolution Details**: The UN Security Council's Resolution 2797/25 explicitly states that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most feasible solution for the Western Sahara conflict, marking a significant endorsement of Morocco's long-standing claims [https://liberianewsnetwork.com/global-shift-un-endorses-moroccos-sahara-proposal]. - **Historical Context**: The Western Sahara has been a disputed territory since Spain withdrew in 1975, leading to a conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region. The UN has been involved in peacekeeping efforts since the 1990s, but a resolution has remained elusive until this recent vote [https://www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2025/10/31/western-sahara-morocco-secures-diplomatic-victory-at-the-un_6746977_124.html]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Western Sahara? - **Significant Diplomatic Shift**: The UN's endorsement of Morocco's autonomy plan represents a pivotal moment in the Western Sahara conflict, potentially altering the dynamics of negotiations and international relations in North Africa. - **Future Implications**: The establishment of "Unity Day" reflects Morocco's intent to solidify its claims and foster national pride, while the ongoing opposition from Algeria and the Polisario Front suggests that tensions will likely continue as both sides navigate this new landscape [https://www.euronews.com/2025/10/31/un-security-council-approves-resolution-backing-moroccos-plan-for-western-sahara]. 1. Morocco celebrates a new national holiday in response to UN support. 2. The UN resolution endorses Morocco's autonomy plan, sidelining self-determination calls. 3. Algeria and the Polisario Front express disappointment and continue to oppose the resolution. 4. International reactions are mixed, with some nations supporting Morocco's claims while others advocate for Sahrawi self-determination.