France, UK, Bahrain and Liberia Reaffirm Support for Morocco’s Sahara Autonomy Plan at UN Security Council

Rabat, The Gulf Observer: France, the United Kingdom, Bahrain and Liberia have reaffirmed their support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara during a United Nations Security Council session, with France and Bahrain also reiterating their support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory.

The four countries expressed their positions on Friday during explanations of their votes following the Security Council’s failure to adopt resolutions on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).

France reiterated its longstanding position in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. French Ambassador to the United Nations Jérôme Bonnafont stated that the present and future of the territory fell within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.

He reaffirmed France’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, describing it as the only basis for negotiations aimed at achieving a definitive settlement of the long-standing regional dispute. He also called for renewed discussions based on the proposal to reach a just, lasting and negotiated solution.

The United Kingdom also reiterated its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, describing it as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for resolving the dispute.

British Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Sarah MacIntosh called on Security Council members to demonstrate a commitment to accelerating progress towards a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution.

Bahrain reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Southern Provinces and its autonomy initiative. Bahraini Ambassador to the UN Jamal Fares described the proposal as a serious, realistic and credible foundation for reaching a definitive and consensual political settlement, which he said would contribute to regional security and stability.

Liberia also expressed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as a framework for resolving the dispute.

Liberian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Lewis Garseedah Brown II stressed the importance of meaningful engagement and international cooperation, stating that the passage of time could not substitute for tangible progress towards peace. He called for serious efforts to achieve a definitive settlement based on Morocco’s proposal.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s Royal Cabinet described the Security Council’s failure to renew MINURSO’s mandate as a significant development towards what it considers the definitive resolution of the Sahara issue at the United Nations.

In a statement, the Royal Cabinet said the non-renewal of the mandate meant that the mission’s presence in Morocco’s southern provinces, including its personnel, vehicles and equipment, was expected to come to an end in the coming days.

It further stated that the 35-year UN political process had been suspended and indicated that similar measures would be pursued within other United Nations bodies.

However, the Security Council’s failure to adopt either of the competing draft resolutions left the future of the UN mission uncertain after its mandate expired on October 31, 2026. The US-sponsored draft was vetoed by Russia, while a separate Russian proposal to extend the mission also failed to secure the required support. Reuters+2

The Western Sahara dispute remains a longstanding issue on the UN agenda, with Morocco advocating autonomy under its sovereignty, while the Polisario Front continues to call for self-determination and independence for the Sahrawi people.