Polisario stages protests in Algeria against US draft resolution on Sahara

The Polisario Front organised demonstrations in the Tindouf camps in Algeria on Monday against a United States draft resolution that would reshape the United Nations-led political process in the Sahara around Morocco’s autonomy proposal, days before a Security Council vote on the future of the UN mission MINURSO.

Protests in Laayoune camp

The protests took place in a section of the camps known as Laayoune, drawing residents including women and children. Media outlets affiliated with the Polisario Front presented the gatherings as a rejection of Washington’s proposed resolution, which would strengthen the role of Morocco’s autonomy initiative in negotiations and restructure the UN peacekeeping mission.

The demonstrations followed warnings from Polisario leaders that the movement could withdraw from the UN-sponsored political process if the Security Council adopted the American proposal without substantial changes.

The protests also came after a letter from Polisario leader Brahim Ghali to UN Secretary-General António Guterres opposing any negotiating framework that would predetermine the outcome of talks.

US proposal challenges Polisario’s position

The initial American draft proposes ending MINURSO’s peacekeeping mandate in April 2027 and replacing it with a special political mission, while making Morocco’s autonomy proposal the basis for negotiations.

The proposal builds on Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025, which directed negotiations towards Morocco’s autonomy initiative and described genuine autonomy as a potentially feasible outcome.

The resolution also requested a strategic review of MINURSO’s future responsibilities. The proposed expansion of consultations to include Sahrawi representatives beyond the negotiating parties could also challenge Polisario’s claim to represent the population exclusively.

Diplomatic manoeuvring ahead of vote

The demonstrations come as Washington negotiates revisions to its draft ahead of the expected 30 October vote.

Reports emerging on 26 October indicate that a revised version has softened some language concerning autonomy while retaining Morocco’s proposal as the negotiating basis.

The Security Council has yet to adopt the text, and MINURSO’s existing mandate expires on 31 October.