UN Resolution on Western Sahara Upholds Self-Determination, Algeria’s Top Diplomat Confirms
Algiers, Algeria – November 3, 2025 – Algerian Minister of State, Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has affirmed that the core principles surrounding the disputed territory of Western Sahara remain protected under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2997. Attaf specifically highlighted that the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination has been clearly decoupled from any proposed autonomy plan.
In a statement released Sunday following an interview with the Algerian international news channel “AL24 NEWS,” Minister Attaf emphasized the preservation of foundational elements within the recent UN resolution concerning Western Sahara. He explained that the Sahrawi population’s right to choose its own future, through self-determination, now exists independently of Morocco’s proposed autonomy plan, and must adhere to international legal standards and the UN Charter.
Key Provisions of Resolution 2997
Attaf was explicit in stating that attempts by Morocco to embed a claim of sovereignty over Western Sahara within the resolution were unsuccessful. According to the Minister, references supporting Morocco’s sovereignty were significantly weakened, relegated to the non-binding preamble, and wholly removed from the operative – and legally enforceable – sections of the resolution.
“In terms of the operative part of the resolution, ther is absolutely no reference either to the Moroccan State or to Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara,” Attaf stated emphatically. This represents a ample advancement in the long-running dispute, perhaps signaling a shift in international focus towards the Sahrawi people’s basic rights.
The United States recently recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a move that significantly altered the dynamics of the conflict. However, Algeria maintains that this resolution reinforces the importance of upholding international law and the will of the Sahrawi people.
Understanding the Western Sahara Conflict
The dispute over Western Sahara, a territory located in Northwest Africa, has persisted for decades. Following Spain’s withdrawal in 1975, morocco claimed sovereignty over the region, leading to a conflict with the polisario Front, the Sahrawi liberation movement.The Polisario Front seeks full independence for Western Sahara and the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination.
| Stakeholder | Position |
|---|---|
| Morocco | Claims sovereignty over Western Sahara; proposes autonomy plan. |
| Polisario Front | Seeks full independence and self-determination for the Sahrawi people. |
| Algeria | Supports the right to self-determination for the Sahrawi people. |
| United Nations | Seeks a peaceful resolution based on international law and the wishes of the Sahrawi people. |
The Path Forward: Challenges and opportunities
The UN resolution, while affirming the right to self-determination, doesn’t automatically guarantee a swift resolution to the conflict. Continued diplomatic efforts, potentially involving a UN-sponsored referendum, are crucial. The complexities involve balancing the desires of the Sahrawi people,the claims of Morocco,and the regional stability of North Africa.
Did You Know? The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion in 1975 stating that the Western Sahara’s ties to Morocco were not of a nature to preclude the application of the principle of self-determination.
What are your thoughts on the latest UN resolution? Do you believe a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara conflict is achievable?
