S/PV.10030 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2025/612, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara. Members of the Council have before them document S/2025/692, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by the United States of America. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 11 votes in favour, none against and 3 abstentions. One member did not participate in the voting. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 2797 (2025). I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the vote.

The United States welcomes today’s historic vote, which seizes upon this unique moment and builds on the momentum for a long, long-overdue peace in Western Sahara. We commend Personal Envoy De Mistura and his vital diplomatic efforts and recognize the United Nations key role in creating a new era of peace and prosperity for the region. We also note the important role played by the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara in supporting the Personal Envoy to achieve a mutually acceptable solution and support an extension of its mandate through October 2026. We are also thankful for the Council’s constructive engagement, and I personally thank everyone here who engaged with the text of this resolution (resolution 2797 (2025)). We made a sustained and genuine effort to incorporate everyone’s proposals — and they were quite numerous — from across the Council. The United States is resolute, and President Trump is resolute in his support for peace. We are deeply committed to supporting a mutually acceptable solution in Western Sahara, and we are deeply committed to resolving this long-standing issue. We urge all parties to use the coming weeks to come to the table and engage in

My country did not participate in the voting on the resolution on a renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (resolution 2797 (2025)). Through that absence, and acting with the utmost responsibility, Algeria sought to show that it is distancing itself from a text that does not faithfully or sufficiently reflect the United Nations doctrine on decolonization. It is the implementation of this doctrine that has made it possible for many nations to be represented here among us at the United Nations. Must we remind ourselves of this self-evident fact? The final decision regarding their future can and must belong solely to the peoples still under colonial domination. In this regard, allow me to quote President Woodrow Wilson of the United States of America, who stated that: (spoke in English) “[p]eoples are not to be handed about from one sovereignty to another by an international conference or understanding between rivals and antagonists. National aspirations must be respected; peoples may now be dominated and governed only by their own consent. ‘Self-determination’ is not a mere phrase. It is an imperative principle of action”. (spoke in French) I invite everyone to meditate carefully on that statement. As a neighbouring country of the main actors in Western Sahara, Algeria has engaged in good faith and with a constructive spirit in the negotiation of the text that was submitted to us. I want to take this opportunity to thank the penholder, the United States, which, in contrast to what happened last year, has spared no effort to improve the text and find a compromise between the stakeholders — a compromise that could have united all Council members. Of course, and we acknowledge this openly, substantial improvements have been made to the original text: first, by recalling the fundamental parameters of a just and lasting solution to the conflict in Western Sahara; then by enshrining the inalienable right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination; and finally by committing both parties, the Kingdom of Morocco and the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguía el-Hamra y de Río de Oro (Frente POLISARIO), to good-faith negotiations without preconditions under the aegis of the United Nations. However, unfortunately, the text that was ultimately submitted to us still has some shortcomings. It falls short of the legitimate expectations and aspirations of the people of Western Sahara, represented by the Frente POLISARIO — a people who, for more than 50 years, have resisted in order to have their own say in their own destiny. However, what, then, is missing from the text? While the unanimously shared objective is to find a lasting, just and mutually acceptable solution that provides for the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, I must underscore that the means of achieving it raises legitimate questions. In our view, the narrow framework of the proposed negotiation, which favours one option over the others, prevents the necessary creativity and flexibility from being deployed in order to reach an agreement freely entered into in accordance with the United Nations doctrine on decolonization. Moreover, this text creates an imbalance between the two parties to the conflict by focusing only on the territorial ambitions of one and saying nothing about the aspirations of the other — in this case, the Sahrawi people, who are demanding freedom. The proof of this is that the resolution, this text, ignores the proposals of the Frente POLISARIO, which were nevertheless shared just recently Lastly, and here I would like everyone to listen to me carefully, this text gives rise to serious and legitimate questions regarding the legal basis of the proposed negotiating framework for the settlement of the conflict in Western Sahara. Imagine if this framework were to be replicated in other conflict zones in Europe, the Americas, Asia or Africa. That would cause dangerous damage to one of the main pillars of the very edifice of the international order. We would have no doubt needed a final equally necessary and decisive effort but also more flexibility, creativity and diplomacy to reach a positive conclusion of the negotiation of this resolution. That would have made it possible to quickly launch a dynamic political process based on solid foundations, integrating all stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of definitively decolonizing of the territory of Western Sahara, in line with the Charter of the United Nations. I lament the fact that the penholder, despite all its efforts, was unable to overcome resistance — and members all know which resistance — to make the necessary changes and make the text acceptable to all. This is a missed opportunity, and we regret that. We also regret that President Trump’s initiative to bring peace and détente to our region, an initiative that has aroused interest and hope, cannot take off properly with the active support of all stakeholders. Indeed, this resolution has not yet created the necessary momentum and conditions for it to be a success — a win-win success that leaves behind neither winner nor loser. In conclusion, a just and lasting solution can only come from respect for the inalienable right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination. This is the only guarantee of true peace and lasting stability in our region. In its approach, Algeria — and I would like to reaffirm it here and call on everyone to bear witness to it — remains committed to the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes and faithful to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Algeria will always stand ready to engage, with full sovereignty and with responsibility and creativity, in any negotiation that will scrupulously respect the cardinal principles of equity, impartiality and justice, with a view to reaching a definitive settlement of the question of Western Sahara.

At the outset, let me first congratulate you, Mr. President, and the Russian Federation for the efficient and professional way in which you handled the affairs of the Security Council in the month of October and for your successful presidency. Sierra Leone welcomes the efforts of the United States not only in facilitating the resolution that was adopted as resolution 2797 (2025) but also in its willingness to take on board the broad range of views submitted by Member States. We also thank the Council members for their constructive engagement in the process. Sierra Leone voted in favour of resolution 2797 (2025) renewing the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) first to indicate our support for the Mission and acknowledge its critical role in maintaining stability and calm  — conditions necessary to advance the political process. We are of the view that the adopted resolution will bring new impetus that will inspire the parties to build on existing international momentum to accelerate the resolution of this long-standing situation and political process. I reaffirm Sierra Leone’s unwavering support for the ongoing United Nations-led political process, under the auspices of the Secretary-General and facilitated by his Personal Envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura. We recognize the efforts of the Personal Envoy to advance Our vote also indicates our support for the Moroccan initiative for negotiating an autonomy statute for the Sahara region, which conforms with international law and the principle of self-determination, which can be actualized in various forms on a case-by-case basis, as recognized by the General Assembly. The Council has considered the Moroccan autonomy initiative a credible and realistic approach to moving the process forward since its submission in 2007. We note the international momentum in support of the Moroccan autonomy initiative and share the view that it is time to explore this option as a path towards an acceptable political solution. We consider it feasible because it does not exclude dialogue or impose an outcome; rather, it provides a structured, flexible basis for discussion and remains open to negotiations, noting particularly paragraph 2 of the adopted resolution, resolution 2797 (2025). We urge the parties to restore the ceasefire without delay in order to preserve the conditions necessary for the resumption of the political process. In closing, as we welcome the adoption of today’s resolution, we underscore the need to resume the round-table process with the full participation of all parties concerned. We welcome Morocco’s commitment at the highest political level to achieve a consensual solution — “a solution with neither winner nor loser”.

For many years now, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), through the careful implementation of its mandate as entrusted to it by the Security Council, has made positive contributions in such areas as ceasefire monitoring, mine clearance and civilian protection, thereby creating favourable conditions for a political settlement. China supports the extension of MINURSO’s mandate for one year and hopes that all the relevant parties will continue to strengthen engagement and cooperation with the Mission to ensure its mandate implementation. During consultations on resolution 2797 (2025), several Council members, including China, offered many constructive inputs, hoping to produce a text that was more balanced and fairer — one that respects the legitimate concerns of all parties involved in the Western Sahara issue and those of all Council members. Regrettably, the resolution failed to adequately balance and take on board the concerns of all parties and does not objectively reflect all the proposals. China therefore had to abstain in the voting. We hope that, going forward, the penholder will constructively facilitate thorough consultations within the Council and strive to achieve broader consensus. China’s position on the Western Sahara issue is consistent and clear. We hold that a political solution is the fundamental way out. The United Nations is the main channel, and the relevant Security Council resolutions are an important basis. Dialogue and negotiation are the right approach. China looks forward to seeing the parties concerned reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution through equal-footed consultations, thus ensuring that the people of Western Sahara will exercise self-determination under arrangements consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. China expects the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General to continue to step up his good offices so as to translate the current positive momentum into tangible diplomatic outcomes and promote further progress in the political process.

We thank the United States as penholder and all Security Council members for the constructive engagement during the negotiations. Slovenia voted in favour of the resolution presented today (resolution 2797 (2025)). We did so because of our steadfast support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and for the role of the United Nations. We believe that MINURSO is a critical stabilizing and monitoring presence, and we When it comes to the question of Western Sahara, Slovenia’s position remains unchanged — that is, support for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. The right to self-determination — put simply, the freedom to choose for oneself — is enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. It is a right that cannot be taken away from any people — not by the Security Council and not by Member States. We welcome that this right is clearly recognized and guaranteed in today’s resolution. We are also clear that we do not interpret the text adopted today as taking any decision regarding the question of sovereignty. My delegation continues to view Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory. We had hoped that this mandate renewal could achieve consensus, thus setting up future talks for the best possible success. We appreciate the fact that, throughout the negotiations, the text continued to evolve and to improve, and that some concerns were accommodated, albeit, in the end, not to the extent of reflecting the totality of members’ positions. While this was not an adoption by consensus, we hope, in earnest, that progress on the political track can still be achieved. We encourage all parties to engage in good faith and with open minds and to put forward all ideas and suggestions to support a final, mutually acceptable solution.

We thank the United States, as the penholder, for its efforts in preparing the resolution and leading the consultations. The Republic of Korea voted in favour of the resolution (resolution 2797 (2025)) renewing the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). As a MINURSO troop-contributing country since 2009, our support for this resolution primarily stems from our belief in the importance of maintaining MINURSO’s operations, which play a vital role in promoting peace and security in the region. At the same time, we recognize the diverse views on the political aspect of the question of Western Sahara. The Republic of Korea’s position remains unchanged: the issue should be resolved through a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, through dialogue among the parties within the framework of the United Nations. We hope that this resolution will encourage the parties to promptly engage in good-faith negotiations. As repeatedly emphasized by Council members during our consultations, this resolution should not be interpreted as prejudging the outcome of such negotiations. The Republic of Korea will continue to engage constructively in supporting the people of Western Sahara in their pursuit of genuine peace and lasting prosperity.

Pakistan abstained in the voting on this resolution (resolution 2797 (2025)). Our vote reflects Pakistan’s principled and long-standing position on the question of Western Sahara. Our position on this issue has, all along, been based on the resolutions of the Security Council itself that have been adopted over the years. This position, however, was not adequately reflected in the resolution before the Council, which contained certain fundamental changes, as compared to previous iterations. We acknowledge the continued efforts and leadership of Pakistan’s position has remained clear and consistent: we support a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, without preconditions, that guarantees the realization of the right to self-determination and takes on board the positions of all parties, in conformity with the relevant Council resolutions and the recommendations of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy. This resolution, however, does not fully address these important principles, which remain vital to facilitating a mutually acceptable solution. For us, the cardinal principle of self-determination, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and grounded in international law, is and will always remain sacrosanct and inviolable. It constitutes the very foundation of post-Second-World-War, United-Nations-Charter-based international law. We recognize that efforts were made incrementally, over three rounds of drafting during the short period of one week, to refine the text to accommodate various concerns. However, these changes could not alter its fundamental substance or imbalance. The underlying principle that the people of Western Sahara must determine their own future through the expression of their will has been consistently reaffirmed by the United Nations. Throughout the negotiations process, we consistently advocated for an approach that would garner consensus, bridge divides and uphold fairness. It is our firm belief that for any peace effort to succeed, all relevant parties must be brought to the table for a truly mutually acceptable outcome. The final text, regrettably, did not reflect such an approach. In conclusion, we hope that all parties concerned will engage in negotiations in a spirit of inclusivity and good faith, without any preconditions, ensuring that any future process genuinely reflects the aspirations of the people of Western Sahara and commands the confidence of all stakeholders. In our view, only such an approach can deliver a just and enduring peaceful settlement — one that lays the foundation for sustainable peace and stability across the Maghreb and the wider Sahel region.

Denmark voted in favour of extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). We did so in recognition of MINURSO’s important role and on account of the 12-month extension. The Secretary-General has emphasized that nearly five years have elapsed since the resumption of hostilities, which continues to expose the increasing risk of escalation and to detract from the stability in the broader Maghreb region. Reliable monitoring, investigation and independent reporting are much needed in this context. To that end, MINURSO plays an important role. As we work to revive the political process, which has been frozen for far too long, MINURSO’s presence on the ground also serves as a critical enabler in support of the Personal Envoy’s mediation efforts. Let me reaffirm our full support for the United Nations-led process and the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Mr. De Mistura, and his efforts to reach a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution to the conflict in accordance with Security Council resolutions. Denmark, in this regard, considers the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007 to be a serious and credible contribution to the United Nations process and a good basis for a solution agreed between the parties. Our vote in favour of today’s resolution does not constitute a recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, as any solution should be agreed among the parties in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and principles, including the right to self-determination. We wish to thank the penholder of the resolution for the flexibility shown in the negotiation process, even though the presented parameters for the political process

Guyana welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for an additional year. MINURSO’s continued presence is critical to preserving peace and stability in Western Sahara and preventing a further escalation of hostilities. The Mission’s monitoring, investigating and liaison with the parties also makes it the main source of impartial information for the United Nations, the Secretary-General and the Security Council on developments in, and related to, the territory. Its stabilizing presence is needed at this crucial time in the political process. Guyana also emphasizes the importance of the parties respecting the ceasefire, as stated in the resolution just adopted (resolution 2797 (2025)). We thank the United States for the transparent conduct of the negotiations and its efforts to improve the text and indeed to move the political process forward. Guyana hopes that, following the adoption of this resolution, the two sides will show the necessary good faith in the negotiations and cooperate fully with the Secretary- General, his Personal Envoy, MINURSO and each other and demonstrate the necessary political will towards achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political settlement — one that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. We express our full support for the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in facilitating engagements with the two parties, and we encourage neighbouring and other interested countries to provide constructive support.

France welcomes the adoption of the resolution renewing the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for 12 months (resolution 2797 (2025)). This resolution is the result of an open process that allowed for numerous contacts with the members of the Security Council, and we thank the American penholder for their efforts to produce a balanced text that takes into account the requests made by the various delegations. In view of the prolonged conflict in Western Sahara and its consequences for populations, the Council has today decided to take action. It has given the Personal Envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, whom we thank for his efforts, a clear mandate to relaunch an inclusive political process. With the support of the Security Council, we call on all the protagonists to engage immediately in negotiations in order to write a new chapter for Western Sahara and the entire region. This chapter must respond to the people’s legitimate aspirations to live in peace. For France, the present and future of Western Sahara lie in the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty. Our support for the Moroccan initiative for negotiating an autonomy statute for the Sahara region of 2007 is clear and consistent. Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only basis for achieving a just, lasting and negotiated political solution, in accordance with the resolutions of the Council. There is a growing international consensus in this regard. It was important for the Council to seize this momentum, as it is now doing with this resolution. This is a collective success. France believes that a mutually acceptable political solution is possible. The political momentum is there, and it is now time to move forward. That is why the Personal Envoy is called on to bring the parties together very soon, with a view to reaching a final settlement of the conflict. We reiterate our full support to Lastly, thanks to the resolution that we just adopted, MINURSO, the efforts and actions of which we commend, will be able to continue to play a key role in the stability of the region. On the ground, France calls for a cessation of hostilities and full respect for the ceasefire, because we must not forget the risks to which people are exposed as a result of this conflict. The strategic review requested by the Council is a useful tool for structuring discussions on the future of MINURSO. That future will be determined by progress towards a political solution, which we all desire. This resolution outlines a path to peace. Let us support the Personal Envoy and the parties so that, together, with courage and determination, they can launch negotiations that will put an end to a conflict that has lasted too long for the benefit of the people and countries of the region.

We thank the United States, as the penholders of resolution 2797 (2025), for its efforts to advance the political process and its flexible approach during the drafting process for the resolution to try as much as possible to reconcile positions in order to improve it. Panama voted in favour of this resolution as we believe that it represents a balanced and constructive step towards strengthening efforts to reach a peaceful, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to the question of Western Sahara. Panama reaffirms its commitment to the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and multilateralism. These principles guide our diplomatic work and reflect our values: the defence of sovereignty, mutual respect among States and especially the right of peoples to self-determination. As a country that has lived through its own history of struggle to exercise that right, Panama understands perfectly what it means for a people to be able to determine its destiny. Panama recognizes Morocco’s efforts and considers that the Moroccan initiative for negotiating an autonomy statute for the Sahara region presented in 2007 constitutes a suitable basis for moving towards a lasting solution. We reaffirm that any solution must be based on dialogue, commitment and respect for the principles of international law. Panama calls on all parties — Morocco, the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguía el- Hamra y de Río de Oro and those States with shared borders — to resume good-faith negotiations under the auspices of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General. We value the work of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) as a stabilizing presence and neutral ceasefire monitoring mechanism. Its work remains essential to maintaining stable conditions on the ground and creating the necessary conditions for the advancement of political dialogue. In that regard, we welcome the fact that this resolution renews the mandate of MINURSO for one year  — a term that we supported in accordance with the recommendations of the Secretary-General and the Personal Envoy. We believe that this period offers a longer time frame to consolidate progress, strengthen the Mission’s presence and promote a sustained political process, which we must continue to monitor from the Security Council. Lastly, Panama reiterates its support for the Mission and its commitment to continuing to work constructively with the members of the Council and the parties concerned for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable peace based on dialogue, cooperation and respect for the principle of self-determination.

When it comes to the long-standing question of Western Sahara, today there appears to be renewed international efforts for its resolution. In Greece welcomes the role of the United States in undertaking a leadership role and drafting this text. We also commend all sides for choosing diplomacy and engagement at the present stage and call for this spirit to be maintained during the political and negotiating process that will ensue, which should also encompass other constructive proposals submitted by the sides. If it is to be viable, any outcome needs to be the product of genuine negotiations, for agreements are only as effective as their implementation. We hope that this resolution will generate positive momentum towards achieving lasting peace in the region. The stabilizing and peacekeeping role of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara is critical in this context. We therefore welcome the extension of its mandate for 12 months.

Somalia voted to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for one year. It is a reflection of our commitment to a peaceful and negotiated solution to the issue of Western Sahara, under United Nations auspices. We commend the penholder — the United States — for its constructive engagement and stewardship throughout the deliberations. Somalia reaffirms its long-standing support for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and consistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We underscore the necessity of an inclusive and credible political process that is conducted in good faith and express our full support for the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy. Their efforts to facilitate direct and substantive talks remain vital, and we encourage all stakeholders to engage in a spirit of genuine compromise and mutual respect. Somalia calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under the ceasefire agreement and encourages Member States to continue to provide the appropriate support to the United Nations endeavours to this end. In conclusion, our delegation looks forward to the Secretary-General’s forthcoming strategic review on the future of MINURSO, which is informed by the outcome of the resumed negotiations. We hope that renewed diplomatic momentum will translate into tangible progress towards a just, lasting and peaceful settlement to the situation concerning Western Sahara. Somalia reaffirms its readiness to support all efforts in that regard.

The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of this resolution (resolution 2797 (2025)). We welcome United States leadership on the text, which represents a step towards a just and lasting political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. This is the start of the process to find a mutually acceptable solution, not the end. We commend the work of Personal Envoy De Mistura. Through his facilitation, we hope to see a new chapter in the political process. We urge the parties to engage in good faith and a spirit of compromise with negotiations under his auspices. We welcome that the fact this resolution highlights Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal, which the United Kingdom considers the most credible, viable and pragmatic

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the Russian Federation. Russia abstained in the voting on the American resolution for an extension of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) (resolution 2797 (2025)). We were unable to support such an unbalanced text. We were also astonished at the approach taken by the informal penholders of the dossier, who decided that they could use the Council to promote their national position. This marks a fundamental departure from the established practice of the Council, whereby penholders are required to diligently seek consensus and take on board the positions of all its members. It is telling that, for the second consecutive year, our American colleagues have been reluctant to engage in a detailed discussion of texts concerning Western Sahara with the entire Council. We are not taking the Group of Friends on Western Sahara into account, given that all of our counterparts in the Group have revised their national positions, turning it into a platform for an unbalanced collective monologue. As a result, one of the delegations was forced to request that the draft text be discussed by the entire Council, which is indicative of serious shortcomings on the part of the penholders of the dossier, which made the work on the document abridged and politicized. Nonetheless, some willingness to compromise was in evidence at the eleventh hour, allowing a negative outcome of the vote to be averted. In our view, the document marks a departure from the United Nations established basis for a settlement in Western Sahara. That basis never went away, has not been scrapped and is not subject to revision. In order to give the peace process another chance, Russia did not block the Council’s decision to extend the mandate of MINURSO. At the same time, we sincerely hope that the cowboy approach taken by our American colleagues will not backfire and reignite a conflict that has been smouldering for several decades. We trust that the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura, will do his utmost, under the new circumstances, to bring the parties involved to a mutually acceptable solution as swiftly as possible, thereby allowing the people of Western Sahara to freely exercise their inalienable right to self-determination. Such a solution must be in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and be consistent with previous Council decisions on Western Sahara. Any other scenario is ruled out.