UN Publishes Resolution 2797 on Western Sahara

Two weeks after its adoption, the resolution does not appear to be a sweeping victory for Moroccan positions.

The text proposes Western Sahara autonomy as a “basis” but not the sole basis, while simultaneously defending “the right of self‑determination of the people of Western Sahara”. It calls for “a definitive, mutually acceptable political solution” and urges the parties to “present ideas to support a definitive, mutually acceptable solution,” as reported by El Independiente.

The main provision comes from Resolution 2797 on Western Sahara, approved on 31 October by the UN Security Council and published two weeks later—a delay that has surprised experts and even former UN officials.

“The parties are urged to commence talks without preconditions, using Morocco’s autonomy proposal as a basis, with a view to achieving a definitive, mutually acceptable political solution that includes the self‑determination of the people of Western Sahara. The resolution recognises that genuine autonomy could be the most feasible outcome and the parties to submit ideas that support a definitive, mutually acceptable solution.”

Morocco has presented Resolution 2797 as a “historic victory.” The text extends the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) by one year— a mission originally created to organise a self‑determination referendum that Rabat has systematically blocked. It places Morocco’s autonomy proposal “as the basis” of negotiations, deeming it “one of the most feasible.”

However, amid carefully worded paragraphs and the abstentions of Russia, China and Pakistan, a balance is hidden: the resolution does not recognise Moroccan sovereignty over the territory, does not eliminate the right to self‑determination, and reflects more a compromise than a substantive shift.

The resolution also “expresses its full support for the Secretary‑General and his Personal Envoy in facilitating and steering negotiations based on Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal, with a view to achieving a fair, durable and mutually acceptable solution to the dispute, in accordance with the UN Charter, and welcomes any constructive suggestions from the parties in response to the Autonomy Proposal.”