The United States continues to view Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a “serious, credible, and realistic,” resolution for the Sahara dispute, Robert Wood, US Ambassador said in a letter addressed to the UN Security Council on Thursday.
Wood called for immediate and decisive action toward a sustainable political resolution, commending the Council’s endorsement of Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sahara, and Alexander Ivanko, who leads the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in the Sahara (MINURSO).
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has consistently affirmed the US’ stance, regarding Morocco’s proposal as a viable framework.
During the meeting, Wood noted that efforts to reach a “just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution” should accelerate, with all parties supporting UN-led negotiations to end hostilities and move forward with a structured political approach.
The Council, however, failed to achieve full consensus on the resolution. “We regret that, despite our sincere efforts, the Council was not able to be unanimous in renewing this mandate today, as unity greatly enhances UN efforts to achieve peace,” Wood explained.
The 15 Council members adopted the resolution to extend the UN Mission for Referendum in the Sahara by one year, by a vote of 12 in favor, with two abstentions, and one State not participating.
Nevertheless, the US remains determined to support every possible avenue to resolve the conflict and avoid any actions that might escalate violence or threaten regional stability.
The Council also directed attention to human rights in the widely condemned Tindouf camps, advocating for closer cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Multiple reports have pointed out flagrant human rights violations and embezzlement of humanitarian aid taking place in the Polisario-run Tindouf camps.
Ambassador Wood called on the parties involved to work proactively with the international community to enhance human rights protections. The resolution urges credible and actionable measures, reminding all parties of their obligations under international law.
“We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian conditions in Tindouf. The United States remains the largest donor to this ongoing humanitarian response,” Wood said.