By Kadir Duran – Bruxelles Korner

October 31, 2025 – Analysis & Insight

King Mohammed VI hailed on Friday, October 31, a “resounding victory” for Morocco following the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of a resolution described by Rabat as historic, affirming according to the monarch the “Moroccanness of the Sahara.”

In a solemn address marked by spiritual and national references, the King declared the opening of “a new victorious chapter” after fifty years of tensions over Western Sahara, a conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front supported by Algeria.

“There will be a before and an after October 31, 2025. The time has come for a united Morocco stretching from Tangier to Lagouira,” Mohammed VI stated.

A strategically significant resolution

The Security Council resolution, adopted on October 31 in New York, considers that “autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty constitutes a credible and pragmatic path” to resolving the conflict.

It also renews the mandate of MINURSO until 2026.

According to the recorded vote, 11 members supported the text, while Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained. Algeria did not participate.

This position seals a diplomatic momentum already underway: the United States, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have progressively expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the central framework for a political settlement a trend reinforced this year by Belgium’s official endorsement.

Call for regional dialogue, message to Algiers

Despite his triumphal tone, Mohammed VI emphasized Morocco’s desire to avoid confrontation.

“No winner and no loser,” he said, calling for direct dialogue with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The monarch reiterated his readiness to turn the page in the Maghreb:

“Let us lay the foundations for new relations based on trust, brotherhood, and good neighbourliness.”

A strong signal, as Rabat-Algiers relations have been frozen since 2021.

Appeal to Sahrawis in Tindouf camps

Mohammed VI issued a direct call to Sahrawi populations living in the Tindouf camps in Algeria, inviting them to return to Morocco:

“There is no difference between those who return from the Tindouf camps and their brothers living in the rest of the national territory.”

A regional economic vision

The speech highlights the integration of the southern provinces into a broader regional strategy:

• economic hub toward the Sahel

• zone of security and stability

• attractiveness for foreign investment

Major infrastructure projects (ports, roads, renewable energy) have emerged over the past decade, with an increasingly important role for European partners.

A symbolic moment for Rabat

The speech comes as Morocco marks the 50th anniversary of the Green March (1975) and the 70th anniversary of its independence.

Mohammed VI praised “the sacrifices of the Royal Armed Forces” and paid tribute to King Hassan II, architect of the Green March.

Reactions & perspectives

Polisario and Algeria reject the move

The Polisario Front argues that the resolution “denies the Sahrawi people their right to self-determination” and accuses the UN of “legitimizing Morocco’s military occupation.”

Algeria also opposes a solution based exclusively on autonomy.

Europe’s strategic position

Belgium’s support is part of a wider European dynamic shaped by key issues:

• migration

• green energy (Moroccan hydrogen)

• Sahel security

• trade agreements

These factors increasingly influence Europe’s foreign policy.

Background – Western Sahara

1975

Spain withdraws; Green March

1976

Polisario proclaims Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)

1991

Ceasefire agreement and creation of MINURSO

2020

End of ceasefire, renewed tensions

2020-2025

Growing diplomatic support for Moroccan autonomy plan (US, Spain, etc.)

2025

UN resolution endorsing autonomy option

Key stakes for the Maghreb and Europe

• Stabilizing the Maghreb

• Regional security and counter-terrorism

• Energy transition and Mediterranean corridors

• Future of the Arab Maghreb Union

• North Africa–EU relations

What is the Green March?

The Green March (Al-Massira Al-Khadrâ) is a key event in modern Moroccan history.

Date

6 November 1975

Objective

To reclaim the territory of Western Sahara, then under Spanish administration, and assert Morocco’s sovereignty over the region.

How it happened

Following a call by King Hassan II, around 350,000 Moroccan volunteers — men and women — marched towards Western Sahara carrying:

• the Moroccan flag

• the Qur’an

• portraits of the King

They were unarmed: the march was symbolic and peaceful.

Spain, weakened politically (General Franco was gravely ill and died shortly after), agreed to negotiate. A few weeks later, the Madrid Accords formalised Spain’s withdrawal and the joint administration of the territory by Morocco and Mauritania (Mauritania withdrew in 1979).

Political Symbol

The Green March represents:

• the end of Spanish colonial presence

• the beginning of Moroccan administration of the territory

• the start of conflict with the Polisario Front, which claims independence for Western Sahara

International Context

Since then, Western Sahara has remained a major geopolitical issue, involving:

• a UN-brokered ceasefire (MINURSO) since 1991

• tensions between Morocco, the Polisario, and Algeria

• growing international support for Morocco’s autonomy plan (United States, Spain, France, Belgium, etc.)

National Memory

The Green March is commemorated every 6 November and is seen as:

• an act of patriotism

• a founding moment of modern Morocco

• a symbol of national unity

Final note

The Security Council resolution and the King’s speech open a new phase in one of Africa’s longest-running territorial conflicts.

One essential question remains: Can this diplomatic momentum lead to lasting peace and regional cooperation particularly between Rabat and Algiers?

SOURCE : <p>https://www.bruxelleskorner.com/haber/bm-karari-sonrasi-mohammed-vi-saharanin-marokkanliginin-yeni-zafer-donemi-9429</p>