In a significant diplomatic encounter, the President of the Republic, Mr. Brahim Ghali, held a meeting with the UN Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, on November 25, 2025, in Luanda, Angola. This engagement occurred amidst the 7th African Union–European Union Summit, highlighting the importance of the discussions.
A pressing global issue was at the heart of this meeting: the pursuit of peace and justice in Africa, particularly in Western Sahara. Mr. Ghali conveyed the Sahrawi side's gratitude for the UN's efforts in this regard, emphasizing the region's status as the last decolonization issue on the African continent. The UN General Assembly and its committees have listed this matter on their agenda, but a resolution remains elusive.
But here's where it gets controversial. The President pointed out the recent UN Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025), which has sparked debates. He revealed that certain parties are attempting to change the narrative of this long-standing decolonization issue, first registered with the UN in 1963. This, he asserted, is not the path to peace, as it undermines the Sahrawi people's inalienable right to self-determination.
Mr. Ghali reiterated the Sahrawi side's commitment to working with the UN and its Secretary-General. He emphasized that the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination is exclusive to them and cannot be exercised by any other party. The POLISARIO Front stands ready for unconditional negotiations under UN supervision to ensure the Sahrawi people can decide their future, adhering to UN resolutions and international law.
Mr. Guterres acknowledged the complexity of the situation, praising the insightful exchange on the Security Council resolution. He shared the UN's hope for the commencement of serious negotiations, facilitated by his Personal Envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, who will engage with both parties. This, he believes, is the path to a lasting solution.
The meeting included key figures such as Mr. Mohamed Yelem Beissat, Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Affairs; Mr. Hamdi El-Khalil Mayara, Sahrawi Ambassador; and advisers Mr. Abdati Breika and Ms. Nanna Labat Errachid. The UN was represented by senior officials from the Secretary-General's Office and the Organization.
This meeting underscores the ongoing efforts to address one of Africa's most protracted conflicts. The question remains: Will these discussions lead to a breakthrough in the Western Sahara issue? And what role will the UN play in shaping the region's future?
