A Path to Peace: Autonomy in Western Sahara

The U.N. Security Council suggested that granting genuine autonomy to Western Sahara under Moroccan rule could be a feasible solution to the long-running conflict. The council urged negotiations based on Morocco's 2007 autonomy plan. The resolution also extended the U.N. peacekeeping mandate in the region.

The United Nations Security Council concluded that granting genuine autonomy to Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty may offer the most practical solution to the protracted conflict that has lingered for five decades.

The council has urged involved parties to pursue negotiations grounded in the autonomy plan introduced by Morocco to the United Nations back in 2007. Morocco is at odds with the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, which is advocating for an independent state.

In the vote, Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained, while Algeria refrained entirely. The other 11 council members supported the resolution, which also extends the mandate of the U.N. peacekeeping mission, MINURSO, for another year.

(With inputs from agencies.)