Moroccan Sahara Issue Reaches Historic Turning Point Driven by Momentum Generated by HM the King – Bourita
United Nations (New York) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, said on Tuesday that the Moroccan Sahara issue had reached an historic turning point driven by the momentum generated by HM King Mohammed VI.
Bourita said the momentum was marked by the adoption of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2797 in October 2025, adding that since then the regional dispute had entered an irreversible path of breaking with the past and moving towards the future, with a view to reaching a lasting solution.
This path is based on principles and parameters that leave no room for interpretation or for “reading between the lines” or beyond them, the minister said in a speech delivered on behalf of Morocco, adding that some were trying in vain to convince themselves otherwise, in a blatant denial of reality and a complete refusal to acknowledge an established truth.
He said the principles were as follows:
“First, there is no solution outside the framework of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
Second, there is no other approach or mechanism outside the political negotiation process conducted under U.N. auspices and based exclusively on the autonomy initiative.
Third, there can be no discussion or dispute over the responsibility and obligations of the four parties, as clearly defined by Security Council Resolution 2797.
Fourth, the status quo preferred by the other parties cannot be allowed to persist, as the political solution process is already under way.
Fifth, no credibility can be given to interlocutors who violate the ceasefire and refuse to comply with Security Council resolutions.
Sixth, there will be no tolerance for keeping the populations of the camps (in Tindouf) hostage for half a century, in blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.”
Alongside the Kingdom’s firm commitment to a lasting solution to this regional dispute, Morocco is continuing, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, to accelerate comprehensive economic and social development in its southern provinces, notably in infrastructure, higher education, health, airports and other vital sectors, said Bourita who is leading Morocco’s delegation to the 81st session of the U.N. General Assembly.
In this context, the minister said the Sahara region inhabitants will fulfil their national and political duty by taking part, as they had always done, in the legislative elections due to be held in the Kingdom on Wednesday, helping to strengthen genuine democratic representation and reinforce their effective involvement in the day-to-day management of their local affairs.