UN faces renewed debate over Morocco's Western Sahara plan

The plan, which Morocco claims is a “serious and credible” basis for negotiation, envisions granting the territory limited self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty. However, despite claims of growing global endorsement, most countries that have expressed backing for the proposal have done so only on the condition that it is accepted by the Sahrawi people — a key nuance often downplayed in pro-Moroccan narratives.

According to UN records cited by Atalayar, more than 130 countries have voiced support for the initiative. And statements from Panama, Paraguay, Ghana, and the United Kingdom have been framed as signs of momentum for Rabat. Yet none of these governments have explicitly endorsed Moroccan sovereignty over the region.

During the UN General Assembly in September, Paraguay announced plans to open a consulate in Western Sahara — a move viewed by critics as tacit recognition of Morocco’s claim, although officials in Asunción avoided such framing.

Western allies, including France, the United States, and Germany, have all described the autonomy proposal as a potential basis for discussion. Still, none have publicly backed it as the final settlement to the conflict.

Algeria and the Polisario Front, which continues to advocate for full independence for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, have rejected the plan outright. The UN envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, has urged both sides to resume direct talks, warning that a prolonged stalemate risks further destabilisation.

Meanwhile, the diplomatic environment remains fraught. Russia’s presidency of the UN Security Council this month could complicate proceedings, given Moscow’s close energy and security ties with Algeria. Reports have also noted Algeria’s increasing use of gas diplomacy, leveraging partnerships with ExxonMobil and Chevron to build influence.

Despite the competing pressures, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed cautious optimism about renewed dialogue. Still, as the Security Council prepares to revisit the issue in October, analysts note that the gap between Morocco’s claims of international endorsement and the UN’s insistence on self-determination remains substantial — leaving any genuine breakthrough dependent on whether Sahrawi consent can ever be meaningfully obtained.