United States proposes Moroccan autonomy plan as sole Sahara solution

A draft resolution submitted by the United States to the UN Security Council proposes that Moroccan autonomy be recognized as the sole feasible solution and the only framework for negotiations regarding the Sahara. The draft marks a significant shift from previous resolutions by removing references to a referendum and instead focusing on the growing international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty.

The proposal includes a major restructuring of the UN presence in the region. The current peacekeeping mission, MINURSO, would be replaced by a special political mission named MINUSO. Under the proposed timeline, peacekeeping operations would conclude on April 30, 2027, with a political mission taking over from May 1 until October 31, 2027.

Operational changes would involve reducing uniformed personnel by at least half by January 31, 2027, and consolidating or closing various posts. The draft also replaces the term ‘people of Western Sahara’ with ‘Sahrawi components,’ whom the personal envoy would be tasked to consult. A vote on the resolution is expected on October 31.