The Polisario Front formally rejected the latest United States draft regarding the United Nations mission for the referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) on 23 October 2026. This opposition centers on the proposed language within the document concerning the ongoing mandate for the mission. Baba Laroussi, a member of the Polisario representation in Spain, addressed the decision by stating, "ما يصح غير الصحيح." The rejection marks a continued diplomatic impasse between the parties involved in the regional dispute. Officials within the Polisario Front maintained that the current draft fails to address their requirements for the mission's scope and objectives. The United Nations mission continues to operate in the territory under its existing authorization while international stakeholders review the revised text.
The Polisario Front officially communicated its rejection of the new American draft regarding the UN mission for the referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) on October 23, 2026. This formal stance reflects the organization’s ongoing concerns regarding the diplomatic processes governing the territory. By explicitly stating its opposition to the proposed terms, the Polisario Front has signaled that the current document does not align with its expectations for the mission's future operations.
Formal Protest to Security Council
Sidi Mohamed Amar, the Polisario representative to the UN, submitted a formal letter to the President of the UN Security Council, Greek Ambassador Aglaia Balta, concerning the content of the proposed draft. The correspondence outlines the position of the Polisario Front regarding the text currently under consideration by council members.
In his capacity as the Polisario representative to the UN, Sidi Mohamed Amar sent a detailed letter to the President of the UN Security Council, Greek Ambassador Aglaia Balta, regarding the specifics of the draft. This communication serves as a formal record of the organization’s objections to the language contained within the document. The letter emphasizes the necessity of addressing the specific concerns raised by the Polisario Front before the Security Council proceeds with any further deliberations on the draft.
Former Algerian Ambassador Amar Belani characterized the document, referred to as 'Draft Zero' and dated 20 October 2026, as deeply biased and unbalanced. His assessment challenges the framework proposed in the draft, asserting that the language does not meet the necessary requirements for impartiality. Former Algerian Ambassador Amar Belani explicitly described the 'Draft Zero' dated October 20, 2026, as deeply biased and unbalanced, noting his concerns regarding the neutrality of the text.
The MINURSO mission, which remains the subject of these discussions, operates under the authority established by UN Resolution 690. The United Nations Security Council adopted this resolution in 1991 to facilitate the mission in Western Sahara. The MINURSO mission was originally established under UN Resolution 690 in 1991, providing the foundational framework for its presence in the region. Current diplomatic efforts focus on the adjustments to this mandate as the Security Council reviews the submissions from the Polisario Front and other relevant parties. The ongoing review process by the Security Council remains a critical component of the international response to the current impasse.
