The United Kingdom welcomed the UN Security Council’s 31 October 2025 adoption of a US‑drafted resolution on Western Sahara, calling it a step toward a lasting political settlement that provides for the self‑determination of the Sahrawi people. Delivering the UK explanation of vote in New York, Chargé d’Affaires James Kariuki urged all sides to engage in negotiations under UN auspices.
According to wire reports, the Council renewed the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for 12 months and requested a six‑month strategic review. The text passed with 11 votes in favour; Russia, China and Pakistan abstained, and Algeria did not participate in the vote.
London noted positively that the resolution highlights Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal, which the UK characterises as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for progress. As summarised in contemporaneous reporting, the proposal envisages limited self‑government under Moroccan sovereignty, with Rabat retaining control over defence, foreign affairs and religious affairs.
The UK statement commended UN Secretary‑General Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura and pressed the parties to approach talks in good faith and with compromise. Britain stressed the resolution is the start of a renewed political process rather than an end‑point.
For context, the Council took a similar decision on 31 October 2024 by adopting resolution 2756, extending MINURSO’s mandate to 31 October 2025 and signalling the need to align mission resources to the political track. Official voting data record 12 votes in favour, two abstentions (Russian Federation and Mozambique) and one member not participating.
MINURSO was established in 1991 to supervise a ceasefire and prepare a referendum on self‑determination. While the referendum has not occurred, the mission continues to monitor the ceasefire and support the Secretary‑General’s envoy in advancing the political process.
Initial reactions are split. The Polisario Front rejected the resolution and reiterated its demand for a referendum that includes the option of full independence, while Morocco welcomed the outcome as validation of its autonomy initiative. Media also reported that Algeria did not participate in the vote.
Operationally, the six‑month strategic review requested by the Council is expected to inform any adjustments to MINURSO’s configuration and priorities. The UK signalled it looks forward to receiving the review and to supporting any evolution of MINURSO that remains aligned to the political process.
For UK policy professionals, the message is continuity: support for a UN‑led process, explicit recognition of self‑determination as the guiding end‑state, and readiness to negotiate on the basis of Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal while urging compromise from all parties-an approach that also aligns with the US penholder’s position.