The deputy permanent representative of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic to the African Union, Malainin Lakhal, described the overwhelming adoption of the UN Fourth Committee's resolution as a significant diplomatic victory for international law. He stated that this development reaffirms the status of Western Sahara as one of the territories on the UN list of non-self-governing areas. Lakhal noted that despite efforts by the occupying power to shift the narrative, the international community remains committed to the principle of self-determination. He further emphasized that the UN mission exists to facilitate a referendum, not to maintain the current occupation, thereby placing legal obligations on the UN Security Council as it prepares to review the dossier.