Rabat – In a nationally televised speech on Friday evening, King Mohammed VI announced that Morocco will “update and expand” its autonomy plan for Western Sahara, marking what he described as “the decisive phase” of the UN-led process.
The address followed the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which extended the mandate of MINURSO until October 2026 and reaffirmed Morocco’s initiative as the most “genuine and credible” basis for a political settlement.
“God be praised, we are entering the decisive phase of the United Nations process, now that the Security Council resolution defines the principles and foundations that could lead to a final political settlement of this conflict, in full respect of Morocco’s legitimate rights,” the King said.
“In line with the UN resolution, Morocco will move forward with updating and formulating in detail the Autonomy Proposal for its later submission to the United Nations. As a realistic and applicable solution, it must constitute the only basis for negotiation.”
The King’s remarks are part of a defining moment in Morocco’s handling of the Western Sahara file, reflecting a confident and forward-looking national strategy. The Autonomy Plan, first presented to the UN in 2007, remains the cornerstone of Morocco’s vision for a lasting and realistic solution, granting the southern provinces’ wide self-governance within Moroccan sovereignty while preserving the country’s unity and stability.
The King’s call to “update and detail” the plan points to Rabat’s intent to move from broad diplomatic positioning to the operational stage of implementation, transforming the proposal into a complete governance framework ready for submission to the UN.
Strengthening international momentum
The Security Council resolution that preceded the King’s address only proves the growing international endorsement of Morocco’s position.
Eleven member states, including the US, UK, and France, voted in favor, with none opposing and three abstaining from voting. The text depicted the autonomy plan as a “realistic and credible” path toward a durable settlement and urged all parties to engage without preconditions.
The King’s insistence that the updated plan “shall constitute the only basis of negotiation” further anchors Morocco’s stance within international legitimacy while narrowing the scope of future talks. His statement reaffirms that any political process must respect the country’s “legitimate rights” and sovereignty over its southern territories.
The King’s directive encourages the government to build governance structures that mirror local representation and participation while remaining consistent with national sovereignty. It also positions Morocco as a regional actor capable of balancing stability, modernization, and UN-led diplomacy.
For Morocco, this outcome crowns years of steady diplomatic effort that have transformed its Autonomy Plan into the most credible and widely supported path to a lasting solution, with over 120 countries now endorsing it as the viable framework for resolving the Western Sahara dispute.
Spain, Germany, and France, alongside several European partners, have endorsed or recognized Morocco’s sovereignty, while several African countries have opened consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla.
Across the Arab world, support for Morocco’s territorial integrity remains constant, as nearly 50 countries have withdrawn recognition of the self-proclaimed SADR.
Backed by growing alliances and strategic partners such as France and the US, Morocco stands closer than ever to securing a final resolution that upholds its sovereignty and stability.
