Morocco’s Strong Position Pushes Algeria to Avoid Raising the Sahara Issue at the UN Security Council

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Algeria acknowledges that Morocco is in a position of strength, particularly following the recent UN Security Council resolution, which identified Algeria as a key party in the fabricated conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.

Algeria refrained from placing the Moroccan Sahara issue on the UN Security Council’s agenda during its one-month presidency. This decision indicates that Algerian diplomacy now recognizes that raising this matter at this time would not be in its favor, given the support of key Council members for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the only viable solution to the conflict. This support is notably led by the United States and France, whose president, Emmanuel Macron, pledged during his historic visit to Rabat to defend Morocco’s cause in international forums.

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Observers argue that Algeria’s presidency of the Security Council is purely symbolic, as it is a non-permanent member lacking the authority to influence decisions significantly.

The Security Council comprises 15 members, five of whom are permanent with veto power: France, the United States, Russia, China, and the United Kingdom. The remaining ten members are elected regionally for two-year terms, with the presidency rotating monthly among members.

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This month, Algeria holds the Council presidency based on alphabetical order, while Morocco has strengthened its position through diplomatic victories. These include the Council’s November resolution, emphasizing that any solution to the conflict must be realistic, lasting, and consensual. The autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty is seen as the most credible, aligning with UN directives.

Algeria’s diplomatic avoidance of the Sahara issue appears aimed at preventing another setback, following the Security Council resolution identifying Algeria as a primary party to the conflict and urging it to join roundtable discussions to resolve the crisis.

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For years, Algeria has declined to engage in UN negotiations, opting instead to back the separatist Polisario Front and advocate for the now-obsolete “right to self-determination.” However, this stance has diminished as international recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara has grown, along with broader support for the Moroccan initiative.

Morocco is closer than ever to resolving the issue, particularly with France’s backing and anticipated momentum from the United States under Donald Trump. In 2020, the Trump administration recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, marking a historic diplomatic triumph for the Kingdom.

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Algeria’s UN representative, Amar Benjamaâ, justified excluding the issue from the agenda by citing the recent renewal of the MINURSO mandate, reaffirming Algeria’s adherence to its traditional stance.

 quoted political analyst Lahcen Akrittit, who attributed the decision to Algeria’s diplomatic isolation following the adoption of Resolution 2756. This resolution reinforced Morocco’s achievements, including the growing international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, Chad’s recent opening of a consulate in Laâyoune, and France’s strengthened position.

Akrittit added, “Algeria understands that reintroducing the issue to the Security Council might replicate the voting scenario, further solidifying Morocco’s position.”

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