New York (United Nations) 31 October 2025 (SPS) – Algeria formally distanced itself from the United Nations Security Council resolution renewing the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), asserting that the adopted text does not faithfully reflect the UN doctrine on decolonization and the legitimate aspirations of the Sahrawi people.
Speaking on behalf of his country, Amb. Amar Ben Jamaa, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, explained that Algeria did not participate in the vote, signaling its principled opposition to a resolution that, in its view, prioritizes one side over the other and undermines the Sahrawi right to self-determination.
“My country did not participate in the vote on this draft resolution renewing the mandate of MINURSO. By this absence, and with full responsibility, Algeria wished to demonstrate its distance from a text that does not faithfully reflect the UN doctrine on decolonization. Yes, we are speaking of decolonization.”
Ben Jamaa recalled the fundamental principle of self-determination enshrined in international law, citing President Woodrow Wilson, who said: “Peoples are not to be handed about from one sovereignty to another by an international conference or an understanding between rivals and antagonists. National aspirations must be respected; peoples may now be dominated and governed only by their own consent. ‘Self-determination’ is not a mere phrase. It is an imperative principle of action.”
He emphasized that Algeria had engaged constructively in negotiations over the draft resolution, with the US as penholder to improve the text and seek compromise. While some improvements were achieved, including references to the parameters of a just and lasting solution, recognition of the Sahrawi people’s inalienable right to self-determination, and the call for good-faith negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front, Algeria found the final text still insufficient.
“Unfortunately, the text that was finally submitted suffers from shortcomings. It falls short of the expectations and legitimate aspirations of the people of Western Sahara, represented by the Polisario Front. This people, who for more than 50 years has resisted, must have and only it must have a say over its own destiny.”
Algeria criticized the proposed negotiation framework as too narrow, privileging one option over others and limiting the creativity and flexibility necessary to reach a freely consented agreement in line with UN decolonization principles.
“This text organizes an imbalance between the two parties in conflict by emphasizing the territorial ambitions of one while ignoring the aspirations of the other, namely the Sahrawi people who claim freedom.”
The Algerian representative noted that the Polisario Front’s proposals, recently submitted to the UN Secretary-General and Security Council (S/2025/664), were ignored, despite the Front being a key party to the conflict whose voice must be heard.
“This text raises serious and legitimate questions about the legal foundations of the proposed negotiation framework for resolving the Western Sahara conflict. Imagine if such a framework were applied to other conflict zones—in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. One of the main pillars of the international order itself would be dangerously undermined.”
Ben Jamaa concluded by stressing that only a solution respecting the inalienable right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination can guarantee true peace and lasting stability in the region.
“A just and lasting solution can only emerge from respecting the inalienable right of the people of Western Sahara to determine their own destiny. This is the sole guarantee of true peace and enduring stability in our region. Algeria remains faithful to the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes, to the objectives and principles of the UN Charter, and will always be ready to engage responsibly and creatively in any negotiation that scrupulously respects equity, impartiality, and justice, with a view to the definitive settlement of the Western Sahara question.”
Through this firm stance, Algeria reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and the peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with UN principles.
Russia, China and Pakistan abstained during the vote regretting lack of clarity, biased terminology and unbalanced position towards the two parties of the conflict, Morocco and Polisario Front. (SPS)
090/500/60 (SPS)
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