Polisario Front's Proposal for a Referendum
On July 28, 2026, the Polisario Front submitted an alternative approach to the United Nations Security Council that emphasizes a referendum, mutual guarantees, and strategic relationships with Morocco, contingent upon the Sahrawi people's choice for independence. This proposal is a significant shift from the often-cited Moroccan autonomy plan, which is frequently framed as the only viable solution. The Polisario Front's initiative was formally presented on October 20, 2025, to the UN Secretary-General and later distributed to Security Council members under the reference S/2025/664, titled "Proposal for a Mutually Acceptable Political Solution that Foresees the Self-Determination of the People of Western Sahara and Restores Regional Peace and Stability".
This initiative is in response to Security Council resolutions that have urged the parties involved to broaden their positions to facilitate a resolution. It is not merely a spontaneous declaration or a propagandistic reiteration; rather, it is a formal proposal aimed at advancing the political process. The foundation of this proposal lies in the Sahrawi people's right to freely determine their future through a referendum organized under the supervision of the United Nations and the African Union.
Negotiating Future Relations with Morocco
Significantly, the Polisario Front advocates for negotiations with Morocco regarding the conditions for conducting the referendum, the implementation of its outcomes, and the necessary political, economic, and security guarantees to ensure that the solution does not lead to renewed conflict. Should the Sahrawi people choose independence, the Polisario Front is prepared to discuss establishing stable, strategic, and mutually beneficial relationships with the Kingdom of Morocco.
The essence of this proposal revolves around self-determination, mutual guarantees, cooperation, good neighborliness, and regional stability. The Polisario Front has expressed its willingness to engage in serious and direct negotiations with Morocco without preconditions and under the auspices of the United Nations. This stands in stark contrast to the Moroccan autonomy plan, which allows for discussions about the powers that could be administered in Western Sahara but fundamentally asserts that the territory inherently belongs to Morocco, excluding independence from the negotiating table from the outset.
The Sahrawi ambassador, Khatri Addouh, has recently reiterated the existence of this initiative and the Sahrawi side's commitment to achieving a peaceful, just, and lasting solution. His remarks raise a critical question that often goes unaddressed in public discourse: why is there a constant demand for the Polisario Front to accept autonomy when Morocco is not similarly questioned about its willingness to discuss a referendum-based proposal accompanied by guarantees for the post-referendum period?
The Sahrawi proposal is open to discussion, negotiation, and development, and it should not be obscured to present the Moroccan autonomy plan as the sole alternative. In reality, there are two proposals before the United Nations, and only one permits the Sahrawi people to make their own choice.
As reported by noteolvidesdelsaharaoccidental.org.
