UN Security Council to vote on Western Sahara mission on October 31

The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on Friday, October 31, on the future of the UN mission in Western Sahara. The draft text has already been examined line by line ahead of the vote.

The draft resolution reaffirms resolution 2797 from 2025 and takes note of growing support from member states for Morocco's autonomy proposal under Moroccan sovereignty. It also welcomes the expansion and updating of that proposal.

“Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution based on an agreement between the parties and in line with the principles of the UN Charter.”

The document expresses full support for UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura. It welcomes efforts by the envoy and the United States to facilitate three rounds of direct negotiations in Washington and Madrid involving Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania.

The draft praises the leadership of US President Donald Trump and his call for the parties to engage without delay, using Morocco's autonomy proposal as the sole framework for negotiating a mutually acceptable solution. It states that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution based on an agreement between the parties and in line with the UN Charter.

The text also condemns the May 5, 2026 attack on the city of Smara. Algeria, whose non-permanent Council mandate has ended, will watch the vote from the public gallery rather than cast a ballot.

Last year, resolution 2797 passed with 11 votes in favor and three abstentions from China, Russia, and Pakistan. Algeria did not participate in that vote. On October 15, the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly adopted a text referring to resolution 2797 by 152 votes.