New York (United States), 1 November 2026 (SPS) – Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar, member of the POLISARIO National Secretariat and its representative to the United Nations and coordinator with MINURSO, has reaffirmed that the Sahrawi people's right to live in freedom and sovereignty is inalienable and non-negotiable.
Speaking to international media following Friday's Security Council meeting on the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), he said the Council had failed to adopt a new resolution on the mission. He added that the Sahrawi leadership was assessing the developments and would issue an official position in due course.
Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar criticised the US-drafted resolution for disregarding the legitimate concerns raised by the Frente POLISARIO, as well as substantive observations and proposals submitted by several Security Council members.
He said the draft represented a serious departure from international law and the principles governing Western Sahara's status as a decolonisation issue. By seeking to predetermine the framework for negotiations and the final settlement, it undermined the Sahrawi people's inalienable right to self-determination and independence.
He further warned that attempts to legitimise Morocco's occupation of Western Sahara would undermine the foundations of the UN-led peace process and establish a dangerous precedent for regional and international peace and security.
The Sahrawi diplomat welcomed the failure to adopt the US draft and expressed appreciation to Russia for opposing it, while thanking China, Pakistan and Somalia for abstaining.
He described Russia's position as a strong message against attempts to undermine the UN-led peace process, stressing that international law, justice and lasting peace must not be sacrificed for political interests or deals based on political bargaining.
Concluding his statement, Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar said the Sahrawi people had once again demonstrated their determination to defend their rights, stressing that their right to freedom and sovereignty was a red line for which generations had sacrificed their lives. He congratulated the Sahrawi people and their friends and allies on what he described as a historic achievement.
Related blogs
