The government of Niger has welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797 on October 31, hailing it as a historic step toward a political settlement in the long-running Western Sahara dispute.
During talks in Rabat, Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangaré met with Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita to reaffirm Niamey’s support for the resolution, which explicitly acknowledges Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Plan as a credible, realistic, and sustainable framework for resolving the regional conflict.
Sangaré emphasized Niger’s backing for the ongoing efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to facilitate negotiations based on Morocco’s autonomy proposal, aiming for a just and lasting solution acceptable to all parties.
Resolution 2797 also renewed the mandate of MINURSO, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, until October 31, 2026.
The vote passed with 11 in favour and three abstentions (Russia, China, and Pakistan) without any vetoes, signaling a notable shift in the international approach to the dispute.
In recent years, Morocco has steadily strengthened its diplomatic position, with an increasing number of countries endorsing the Autonomy Plan.
European supporters include Spain, Germany, and France, the latter formally recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over its southern provinces in July. Across Africa, several states have publicly expressed support and established consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla, key cities in the contested region.
For Niger, the resolution represents an important milestone in regional diplomacy, reinforcing the role of dialogue and multilateral efforts in resolving complex territorial disputes.
