The UN Security Council (SC) adopted Friday 31, a new resolution on the Moroccan Sahara, confirming the central role of the Autonomy Initiative (IA) presented by Morocco in 2007, a reference framework for a lasting political solution. The final text of the resolution was approved with 11 votes in favor and 3 abstentions.
An important historical development, the adopted resolution enshrines a now established fact: AI continues to be the only basis considered by the majority of CS members as a realistic, applicable solution and in accordance with international legality. This position reinforces Morocco’s diplomatic dynamics, which is supported by a wide network of regional and international support.
The adoption of this resolution occurs in a context marked by a notable evolution of diplomatic balances. Great powers – the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Spain – more recently, Portugal, like several other EU countries – now encourage investments in the southern provinces, considered an area of stability and development.
With this choice, the CS confirmed that the path to a political solution passes through pragmatism. In this context, it is necessary to recognize that the Moroccan approach remains the only one that combines historical legitimacy, institutional viability and prospects for lasting peace.
Following the approval of the resolution by the CS, King Mohammed VI addressed the nation to highlight the following points:
The Sahara dossier is now undergoing a dynamic of change driven by the international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory;
The Kingdom does not see this stage as a triumph, but as an opportunity to build a common future. The King insisted on the need to preserve the dignity of all parties and to promote regional stability and cooperation;
The King appealed to the inhabitants of the Tindouf camps to integrate into national life and contribute to the development of their homeland. Marked by humility, this passage illustrates the desire to unite instead of divide, to integrate instead of exclude;
The king invited Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to start a fraternal dialogue, based on trust and good neighborliness. This call for reconciliation is part of a vision of a pacified Maghreb, focused on development and complementarity.
Fifty years after its beginning, October 31, 2025 will go down in the history of the conflict as the date on which the process for its definitive resolution began. With its clear and unequivocal support for the Moroccan autonomy plan last July, the PSD-led government allowed Portugal not to miss this train, thus placing itself on the right side of history.