Five new Security Council members benefits Moroccan diplomacy
Barely days after the UK threw its weight behind Morocco’s sovereignty bid for Western Sahara, Rabat is now celebrating a huge diplomatic victory at the UN itself, according to UAE-owned Hespress.
The United Nations General Assembly elected five new temporary members on June 5th to join the Security Council for the 2026-2027 term, which has been predicted to strengthen diplomatic relations for Morocco whose elite hopes that the UN will adopt its 2007 proposal for the disputed territory’s autonomy plan.
Individuals representing Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia and Liberia will be officiated on January 1st, 2026, and will replace outgoing members at the end of 2025.
The election is a huge step in Morocco’s diplomatic progression, as the newly elected countries Bahrain, DRC and Liberia all openly support Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, which has been a long-established territorial conflict.
Bahrain has consistently reiterated its support for the Moroccan side in the dispute, remaining a significant ally to the nation. In 2020, Bahrain opened a consulate in Laayoune, the largest city of the Western Sahara, which proved a symbolic gesture in promoting Moroccan autonomy over the region.
The DRC and Liberia have likewise displayed backing for the Moroccan side, setting up consulates in Moroccan-governed parts of the Western Sahara region, and partaking in global conferences supporting Morocco’s sovereignty plan as a viable solution to the dispute.
Said Bouchakouk, a researcher on development and geopolitical affairs, told Hespress: “This vote consolidates the growing diplomatic momentum Morocco has achieved under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, particularly in countering separatist narratives that no longer resonate with the international community”.
He highlighted that countries such as the US, UK and France openly support Morocco’s autonomy initiative.
Algeria, who’s membership on the Security Council is due to end at the end of 2025, has supported the opposing Polisario Front, but analysts have said its attempts to fight its case have not been successful due to the increasing support for Moroccan sovereignty.
Abdelfattah El Belamchi, director of the Moroccan Centre for Parallel Diplomacy and Dialogue of Civilizations, drew attention to the increasing diplomatic steps for Morocco and Algeria’s losing support.
“Despite Algeria’s efforts, it failed to push through any proposals favourable to the separatists during its term. Meanwhile, more countries have opened consulates in Moroccan-administered areas, reaffirming their support for autonomy,” Mr. El Belamchi said.
He also explained Morocco’s diplomatic success was largely due to its foreign policy, having addressed economic and developmental factors to strengthen international ties. “This is no longer a purely national vision. The Moroccan initiative is now a credible international framework for resolving the conflict,” Mr. El Belamchi said.
He addressed the international community asking them to act upon a political agreement to ensure regional stability.
HESPRESS
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