US Proposes Radical Changes to UN Western Sahara Mission, Endorsing Moroccan Autonomy Plan

The United States has circulated a draft resolution to the UN Security Council proposing radical changes to the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). The draft explicitly endorses a Moroccan autonomy plan as the "only" feasible solution and suggests ending the peacekeeping mandate after six months, continuing as a special political mission. This proposal has prompted an immediate threat from the Polisario Front to withdraw from the peace process if the resolution is passed, arguing it undermines the foundations of the UN peace process.