Morocco has announced October 31 as a national holiday, named Unity Day, to mark the United Nations (UN) Security Council’s recent vote in favour of its proposed autonomy plan for Western Sahara.

The royal palace confirmed the holiday in a statement, saying it would celebrate national unity. The UN resolution recognised genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the most viable solution to the long-running conflict over the territory.

While Morocco controls much of Western Sahara, a portion remains under the Polisario Front, an armed movement seeking full independence for the Sahrawi people.

–ChannelAfrica–