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Ahead of the upcoming vote on a new UN Security Council resolution concerning the Sahara issue, Secretary-General António Guterres has released his latest report on the situation urging the extension of the UN mission’s mandate in the territory and echoing many of the themes from previous years, while underscoring a notable international shift towards backing Morocco’s autonomy plan as a credible and lasting political solution.
Guterres highlighted the joint communiqué issued on June 1, 2025, by the United Kingdom and Morocco, in which the UK described Morocco’s autonomy plan as “the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution.”
He noted Algeria’s role as the genuine party in the conflict, citing its reactions to the UK’s sovereign decision to back the Moroccan position.
The report also referenced King Mohammed VI’s Throne Day speech on July 29, in which the monarch called for a “solution without winners or losers” and expressed Morocco’s willingness to engage in “frank, responsible, brotherly, and sincere dialogue” with Algeria. The overture, however, fell on deaf Algerian ears.
“The neighboring states have a crucial role to play in resolving the Western Sahara issue, which would also enhance their security and development prospects,” Guterres wrote. “I regret the lack of tangible progress in Algeria-Morocco relations and urge both countries to intensify efforts toward regional cooperation.”
Algeria is mentioned 17 times in the report, more than in previous years, underscoring its active involvement. Guterres noted that Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf continues to support Polisario positions while denying Algeria’s status as a party to the conflict.
The report details Algeria’s influence over the process, including criticism of the UK, speaking on behalf of the Polisario to MINURSO, and keeping an upper hand on the Tindouf camps.
Guterres expressed concern over the low-intensity conflict in the territory since 2020, warning of the growing risk of escalation and regional instability. The report documents multiple incidents involving Polisario fire near civilian areas and MINURSO facilities. While most verified attacks landed in remote zones without causing damage, one notable incident occurred on November 9, 2024, during a civilian conference commemorating a Moroccan national event in Mahbas. Another, on June 27, involved four rocket explosions near MINURSO’s Es-Semara site, with one landing just 200 meters away, the closest such incident since hostilities resumed.
The Polisario has refused to allow MINURSO to investigate these events and maintains limited communication with the mission. Guterres urged the group to lift restrictions on helicopter reconnaissance and resume direct contact with MINURSO’s leadership in Rabouni.
Between January and March 2025, MINURSO observed the completion of a 93-kilometer road linking Es-Semara to Mauritania, crossing the security wall. Moroccan officials clarified that the route is intended for civilian use and is unrelated to military operations. This would mark the second land crossing between Morocco and Mauritania, alongside the existing Guerguarat passage.
Guterres emphasized the critical role of MINURSO in monitoring, investigation, and liaison efforts, calling it the “primary and often sole source of impartial analysis” for the UN and member states. He recommended extending the mission’s mandate until October 31, 2026.
However, funding remains a concern. The UN General Assembly allocated $70.7 million for MINURSO’s operations from July 2025 to June 2026, but as of August 20, unpaid contributions totaled $64.9 million, highlighting the mission’s precarious financial situation.
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