Mohammed VI hails a “historic victory” after UN resolution on Western Sahara
Mohammed VI hails a “historic victory” after UN resolution on Western Sahara King Mohammed VI celebrated what he called a “historic and resounding victory” for Morocco after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution endorsing autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a credible solution for Western Sahara. The decision is seen as a major diplomatic milestone for Rabat, reinforcing international momentum behind Morocco’s plan, already backed by the US, Spain, France, the UK, the EU – and, recently, Belgium. In a solemn address marking 50 years since the Green March and 70 years of independence, the monarch declared the start of a “new victorious chapter” and invited Algeria to open a path toward reconciliation, stressing “no winner and no loser.” He also called on Sahrawi populations in the Tindouf camps to return, affirming national unity. The resolution renews MINURSO until 2026 and passed with 11 votes in favour, while Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained and Algeria declined participation. The speech situates Western Sahara as a pillar of Morocco’s regional economic and security strategy, including major infrastructure projects connecting to the Sahel and increasing European investment interest—particularly in energy, trade, and stability. Algeria and the Polisario rejected the decision, accusing the UN of ignoring Sahrawi self-determination. The development underscores rising international support for Rabat, amid geopolitical priorities including migration, green hydrogen, and Mediterranean security. As Morocco looks ahead, the key question remains: Will this diplomatic breakthrough help unlock long-stalled dialogue with Algiers and pave the way for regional stability?
By Kadir Duran – Bruxelles Korner
October 31, 2025 – Analysis & Insight
King Mohammed VI hailed on Friday, October 31, a “resounding victory” for Morocco following the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of a resolution described by Rabat as historic, affirming according to the monarch the “Moroccanness of the Sahara.”
In a solemn address marked by spiritual and national references, the King declared the opening of “a new victorious chapter” after fifty years of tensions over Western Sahara, a conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front supported by Algeria.
“There will be a before and an after October 31, 2025. The time has come for a united Morocco stretching from Tangier to Lagouira,” Mohammed VI stated.
A strategically significant resolution
The Security Council resolution, adopted on October 31 in New York, considers that “autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty constitutes a credible and pragmatic path” to resolving the conflict.
It also renews the mandate of MINURSO until 2026.
According to the recorded vote, 11 members supported the text, while Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained. Algeria did not participate.
This position seals a diplomatic momentum already underway: the United States, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have progressively expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the central framework for a political settlement a trend reinforced this year by Belgium’s official endorsement.
Call for regional dialogue, message to Algiers
Despite his triumphal tone, Mohammed VI emphasized Morocco’s desire to avoid confrontation.
“No winner and no loser,” he said, calling for direct dialogue with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The monarch reiterated his readiness to turn the page in the Maghreb:
“Let us lay the foundations for new relations based on trust, brotherhood, and good neighbourliness.”
A strong signal, as Rabat-Algiers relations have been frozen since 2021.
Appeal to Sahrawis in Tindouf camps
Mohammed VI issued a direct call to Sahrawi populations living in the Tindouf camps in Algeria, inviting them to return to Morocco:
“There is no difference between those who return from the Tindouf camps and their brothers living in the rest of the national territory.”
A regional economic vision
The speech highlights the integration of the southern provinces into a broader regional strategy:
• economic hub toward the Sahel
• zone of security and stability
• attractiveness for foreign investment
Major infrastructure projects (ports, roads, renewable energy) have emerged over the past decade, with an increasingly important role for European partners.
A symbolic moment for Rabat
The speech comes as Morocco marks the 50th anniversary of the Green March (1975) and the 70th anniversary of its independence.
Mohammed VI praised “the sacrifices of the Royal Armed Forces” and paid tribute to King Hassan II, architect of the Green March.
Reactions & perspectives
Polisario and Algeria reject the move
The Polisario Front argues that the resolution “denies the Sahrawi people their right to self-determination” and accuses the UN of “legitimizing Morocco’s military occupation.”
Algeria also opposes a solution based exclusively on autonomy.
Europe’s strategic position
Belgium’s support is part of a wider European dynamic shaped by key issues:
• migration
• green energy (Moroccan hydrogen)
• Sahel security
• trade agreements
These factors increasingly influence Europe’s foreign policy.
Background – Western Sahara
1975
Spain withdraws; Green March
1976
Polisario proclaims Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)
1991
Ceasefire agreement and creation of MINURSO
2020
End of ceasefire, renewed tensions
2020-2025
Growing diplomatic support for Moroccan autonomy plan (US, Spain, etc.)
2025
UN resolution endorsing autonomy option
Key stakes for the Maghreb and Europe
• Stabilizing the Maghreb
• Regional security and counter-terrorism
• Energy transition and Mediterranean corridors
• Future of the Arab Maghreb Union
• North Africa–EU relations
What is the Green March?
The Green March (Al-Massira Al-Khadrâ) is a key event in modern Moroccan history.
Date
6 November 1975
Objective
To reclaim the territory of Western Sahara, then under Spanish administration, and assert Morocco’s sovereignty over the region.
How it happened
Following a call by King Hassan II, around 350,000 Moroccan volunteers — men and women — marched towards Western Sahara carrying:
• the Moroccan flag
• the Qur’an
• portraits of the King
They were unarmed: the march was symbolic and peaceful.
Spain, weakened politically (General Franco was gravely ill and died shortly after), agreed to negotiate. A few weeks later, the Madrid Accords formalised Spain’s withdrawal and the joint administration of the territory by Morocco and Mauritania (Mauritania withdrew in 1979).
Political Symbol
The Green March represents:
• the end of Spanish colonial presence
• the beginning of Moroccan administration of the territory
• the start of conflict with the Polisario Front, which claims independence for Western Sahara
International Context
Since then, Western Sahara has remained a major geopolitical issue, involving:
• a UN-brokered ceasefire (MINURSO) since 1991
• tensions between Morocco, the Polisario, and Algeria
• growing international support for Morocco’s autonomy plan (United States, Spain, France, Belgium, etc.)
National Memory
The Green March is commemorated every 6 November and is seen as:
• an act of patriotism
• a founding moment of modern Morocco
• a symbol of national unity
Final note
The Security Council resolution and the King’s speech open a new phase in one of Africa’s longest-running territorial conflicts.
One essential question remains: Can this diplomatic momentum lead to lasting peace and regional cooperation particularly between Rabat and Algiers?
Kadir Duran
Contributing writer at EUReflect.