Russian Veto on Western Sahara: A Major Setback for Moroccan Strategy

Russia’s use of its veto power against a US-sponsored resolution on Western Sahara has triggered a significant geopolitical shift, ending decades of US dominance over the issue. Morocco, backed by Washington and France, had aimed to cement "autonomy" as the sole solution and finalize the file at the UN by 2027. However, the Russian move, supported by China and Algeria, dismantled these plans by emphasizing international law and the right to self-determination. Moscow views the imposition of Moroccan control as a threat to Sahelian stability. This development marks the failure of a thirty-year Moroccan strategy and re-establishes Russia as a pivotal player in Northwest Africa, while Morocco's potential withdrawal from the peace process raises concerns of regional escalation.