Algeria's Diplomatic Missteps in Western Sahara
··2 min read
In October 2025, Algeria missed a critical vote at the United Nations Security Council that indirectly recognized the impracticality of a referendum in Western Sahara. The resolution, known as 2797, was passed with Russia and China abstaining, effectively allowing it to proceed. Algeria, a non-permanent member, chose not to vote, despite having the opportunity to oppose the resolution and potentially secure a diplomatic victory.
The resolution shifted the focus of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) from organizing a referendum to contributing to self-determination efforts. Despite this change, Algeria has insisted on retaining the 'R' in MINURSO, which stands for 'referendum,' a stance that has puzzled observers. The U.S. recently proposed amendments to MINURSO's mandate, which would remove the reference to a referendum, aligning it with the spirit of resolution 2797. However, Algeria has resisted these changes, despite the fact that the original mandate is no longer applicable.
Russia, a key ally of Algeria, has not renewed MINURSO's mandate for six months or a year, knowing that the U.S. proposal is the only way to extend the mission's lifespan. This has left Algeria in a precarious position, with its diplomatic efforts seemingly backfiring.
Algeria's insistence on retaining the 'R' in MINURSO has been met with criticism, with some suggesting that it is a symbolic gesture to maintain face in the conflict. Others have speculated that Algeria's actions are driven by a desire to prolong the conflict, despite the potential economic and political costs.
Morocco and its allies have been cautious in their response to the changes in MINURSO's mandate, waiting a full year before reacting to the new situation. This has allowed them to maintain a strategic advantage in the conflict, while Algeria has been left to grapple with the fallout from its diplomatic missteps.
Algeria's actions have been widely criticized, with some suggesting that it is a sign of diplomatic incompetence. Others have speculated that Algeria's actions are driven by a desire to maintain face in the conflict, despite the potential economic and political costs.
Russia's role in the conflict has also come under scrutiny, with some suggesting that it has provided Algeria with a poisoned chalice. Russia's abstention from the vote on resolution 2797, and its subsequent refusal to renew MINURSO's mandate, has left Algeria isolated in the conflict.
Algeria's diplomatic missteps in the Western Sahara conflict have left it isolated and vulnerable. Its insistence on retaining the 'R' in MINURSO, despite the changes in the mission's mandate, has been met with criticism and puzzlement. Russia's refusal to renew MINURSO's mandate has left Algeria in a precarious position, with its diplomatic efforts seemingly backfiring.
