Questions Arising from a Resolution Supported by Somalia Disputed by Russia and the USA

New York (Caasimada Online) – Somalia has supported a resolution proposal put forward by Russia regarding the Western Sahara issue of Morocco, while remaining silent on another proposal introduced by the United States to the United Nations Security Council.

The two votes that took place on Friday, October 30, were concerning the future of the United Nations operation in Western Sahara, abbreviated as MINURSO.

Somalia, China, and Pakistan remained silent on the U.S. proposal. Although it received support from 11 countries, it was blocked by Russia, which used its clear veto power.

The Russian proposal also received three votes in support, while 11 countries remained silent, and the United States opposed it. Therefore, neither proposal was approved, while the mandate period for MINURSO is set to expire on October 31, 2026.

The U.S. proposal suggested extending the mandate period to October 31, 2027, but with changes to its name and operational structure. The term referring to the referendum would be removed, which was originally central to the mission's purpose.

The text also made Morocco's autonomy plan the only basis for negotiations that could continue. This plan suggests an administration under the independence of Morocco.

On the other hand, the Russian proposal called for a one-year extension of the mission while maintaining its current name and responsibilities.

Somalia's Position

The vote differs from that of October 31, 2025, when Somalia supported the Security Council resolution numbered 2797.

The resolution established Morocco's self-governance plan as the basis for negotiations, also calling for a political solution acceptable to both sides, while ensuring the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

The minutes of that meeting indicate that Somalia's representative justified his country's support for the extension of the mission and efforts to seek a peaceful solution, led by the United Nations.

Moroccan media outlet Yabiladi interpreted Somalia's silence on the U.S. initiative and its support for the Russian one as a sign of increasing rapprochement between Mogadishu and Algeria.

It also stated that Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdisalaan Abdi Ali, once again supported Morocco's claim to the territory on November 28, 2025, following a meeting he had in Rabat with his counterpart Nasser Bourita.

However, the statement from Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 6, 2025, responding to reports attributed to Somalia, clarified that the country's position is only expressed through official statements and messages from the government.

The ministry then called on both sides to engage in genuine direct negotiations to reach a final peaceful solution, acceptable to both sides, in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

The ministry also supported the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General and his special envoy, reiterating Somalia's commitment to enhancing relations with Morocco and that both countries respect each other's sovereignty and independence.

The Western Sahara dispute is between Morocco, which administers most of the territory, and the Polisario Front, which is supported by Algeria, seeking to make the territory an independent state.