United Nations, October 6, 2026 – The Europe Today: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on all parties to the Western Sahara dispute to engage in coordinated and good-faith negotiations to explore the possibility of achieving genuine autonomy for the people of the territory.
In his latest report on Western Sahara, Guterres stressed the importance of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a basis for negotiations aimed at reaching a lasting and mutually acceptable political settlement. He said genuine autonomy could represent the most feasible outcome in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025.
The UN chief urged Morocco, Algeria, the Polisario Front and Mauritania to build on the renewed momentum in the UN-led political process and participate constructively in negotiations.
He also emphasized that any proposed settlement should be subject to meaningful consultation with the people of Western Sahara, allowing them the voluntary freedom to accept or reject the proposal and ensuring that their right to self-determination is respected.
Guterres noted that Security Council Resolution 2797 had provided renewed momentum to the political process and encouraged the parties to work toward a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution.
The report comes after three rounds of direct negotiations involving Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario Front during the first quarter of 2026, facilitated by the United States and UN Personal Envoy for Western Sahara Staffan de Mistura. Discussions have included Morocco’s updated autonomy proposal and possible arrangements for a transition toward a political settlement.
Guterres acknowledged that significant challenges remain, including persistent mistrust among the parties and continued low-intensity hostilities. He nevertheless said prospects for tangible progress toward resolving the decades-long dispute remain.
He called for enhanced international engagement and urged the parties to refrain from actions that could undermine prospects for a political settlement, while stressing the importance of restoring and maintaining the ceasefire.
