UN Security Council backs Morocco’s Western Sahara plan in divisive vote

The United Nations Security Council voted Friday to extend the mandate of its Western Sahara mission (MINURSO) for one year, while formally endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan as the sole basis for resolving the decades-old conflict, a move that has sharply divided the international community.

The resolution, drafted by the United States, passed with 11 votes in favor and 3 abstentions.

It marks a significant diplomatic shift by…