UN Envoy Discusses Western Sahara Conflict Resolution and Security Council Resolution 2797

Significance of Resolution 2797

• ⚡ Resolution 2797 is deemed significant as it signals a renewed international energy and determination to resolve the 50-year-old Western Sahara conflict.
• ⛵ The UN Secretariat is likened to a sailing boat, requiring strong engagement from Security Council members to reach its destination, a role fulfilled by this resolution.
• 🤝 The resolution was the product of proactive engagement from the penholder, Dr. Masad Bulos, Ambassador Mike Walls, and other concerned council members.

Framework for Negotiations

• 🗺️ Resolution 2797 provides a framework for negotiations without prescribing an outcome, emphasizing that a sustainable solution must be the result of good-faith negotiations.
• ✍️ Engaging in negotiations is highlighted as important, regardless of immediate acceptance of the outcome.
• 🗣️ The plan is to call all parties to submit proposals and suggestions to develop a broad agenda for direct or indirect talks on relevant issues.

Basis for Negotiations

• 🏛️ The 2007 Moroccan autonomy plan will be used as a basis for negotiations, with Morocco's expanded plan and Frente POLISARIO's paper also considered as inputs.
• 💡 The resolution is open to other relevant ideas that can support a final, mutually agreed solution.
• 🎯 The goal is to facilitate a genuine, real discussion, starting discreetly and hopefully becoming more open.

Extension of MINURSO and Future Work

• ✅ Satisfaction is expressed for the extension of MINURSO until October 2026, which is expected to help create a stable atmosphere for future negotiations.
• 🚀 The real work now begins towards a mutually agreed solution, with a call for constructive and constant engagement from parties and Security Council members to maintain positive momentum.
• ❓ Regarding reactions to the resolution, the envoy stated that resolutions are frameworks and roadmaps, and more clarity on the translation into a sustainable outcome will be available in about a month.

Key Elements of the Resolution

• ⚖️ The resolution clearly identifies the parties (Morocco, POLISARIO, Mauritania) and includes the principle of self-determination alongside a clear reference to Moroccan sovereignty.
• 🤝 It emphasizes the UN Charter, the need for a mutually agreed solution, and the requirement for genuine autonomy.
• 💰 There is a concern for the funding of Sahrawi refugees and a standard request for no preconditions to facilitate negotiations.
• 🎤 The Secretary-General and Personal Envoy are mandated to facilitate and conduct negotiations, using the autonomy plan as a basis but remaining open to other constructive ideas.