Why the UK Should Endorse the Frente POLISARIO’s Expanded Proposal
Why the Frente POLISARIO’s Expanded Proposal Represents the Only Credible Path to Peace
Adala UK | October 2025
As the United Nations Security Council prepares to deliberate the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), two competing frameworks have emerged one grounded in international legality and the right to self-determination, and another rooted in unilateralism and political expediency.
On 20 October 2025, the Frente POLISARIO submitted to the UN Secretary-General its Expanded Proposal for a mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara and restores regional peace and stability. This comes as an act of goodwill and a direct response to the call of the Security Council in resolution 2756 (2024) for the parties to “expand on their positions” to advance a peaceful solution.
In contrast, the United States has circulated a draft resolution that, for the first time, declares Morocco’s 2007 autonomy initiative to be the “most serious, credible, and realistic basis” and, critically, the only framework for resolving the conflict. The U.S. text further proposes to extend MINURSO’s mandate for only three months, pending its possible termination, thereby shifting the mission’s purpose away from organising a referendum on self-determination the very reason for its creation toward legitimizing a unilateral political outcome.
The Frente POLISARIO’s Proposal: Legality, Balance, and Genuine Peace
The Frente POLISARIO’s Expanded Proposal reaffirms the movement’s long-standing commitment to a peaceful, negotiated, and democratic resolution consistent with international law and the principles of the UN and African Union.
It offers a clear, balanced, and lawful pathway toward peace enabling the Sahrawi people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination through a UN/AU-supervised referendum, while expressing the readiness of the Sahrawi Republic to establish mutually beneficial and cooperative relations with Morocco following a just settlement.
Far from being rigid, the proposal demonstrates political maturity and vision. It underscores a willingness to “share the costs of peace” and pursue regional stability, dialogue, and reconciliation. It also represents a genuine effort to move beyond the status quo through direct, unconditional negotiations under UN auspices.
The U.S. Draft: A Departure from the Rule-Based International Order
The American draft resolution marks a profound and dangerous departure from the internationally recognized legal framework for Western Sahara. By asserting Morocco’s autonomy plan as the sole basis for negotiation, the draft seeks to predetermine the outcome of a process that should be decided freely by the Sahrawi people.
Such an approach undermines UN General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV) on decolonization, Security Council Resolution 1754 (2007) acknowledging both parties’ proposals, and the very purpose of MINURSO. It risks transforming the UN into a facilitator of occupation rather than a guarantor of self-determination and international law.
If adopted, this precedent would erode global confidence in the UN’s ability to uphold decolonization principles and the right of peoples to determine their own political future a right Britain has historically defended.
The UK’s Responsibility and Opportunity
The United Kingdom, as a permanent member of the Security Council and a long-standing advocate of international law and decolonization, bears a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that any resolution on Western Sahara remains faithful to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
To support or remain silent on a text that effectively nullifies the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination would contradict the UK’s values, international commitments, and its credibility as a defender of the rules-based international order.
Instead, the UK should:
- Reject any draft resolution that excludes or undermines the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination.
- Reaffirm the UN’s decolonization mandate by ensuring MINURSO’s continuation until the referendum is conducted.
- Support direct and unconditional negotiations between the parties under UN auspices, based on the principles of international law and the spirit of the Frente POLISARIO’s Expanded Proposal.
- Advocate for regional peace and cooperation founded on respect for international legality, not imposed solutions.
Principle Must Prevail Over Politics
At this critical juncture, the choice before the international community is clear: either to uphold the rule of law or to legitimize occupation.
Adala UK calls upon the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to act with consistency, courage, and integrity by defending the Sahrawi people’s right to freely determine their own destiny and by ensuring that the UN remains faithful to its founding principles.
Only a just, peaceful, and lasting solution rooted in self-determination, legality, and mutual respect can deliver stability to the region and honor the values that the United Kingdom has long pledged to uphold.