Timor-Leste has reversed its long-standing support for the Polisario Front, opting instead to endorse the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco for Western Sahara. President José Ramos-Horta announced the shift in position during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Expressing support for the Moroccan proposal and Security Council resolution 2797 of October 31, 2025, Ramos-Horta stated, «We welcome the Moroccan proposal and the recent Security Council resolution… This is an opportunity for dialogue.» The president added that those most directly affected must be consulted regarding the status of the territory, voicing hope for a «fair and comprehensive settlement» between the Polisario Front and Moroccan authorities.
A Reversal of Diplomatic Stance
The move marks a significant departure from the policy Timor-Leste has maintained since gaining independence from Indonesia, during which it consistently advocated for the independence of Western Sahara. The shift comes shortly after Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão called for a referendum on self-determination and an end to the decolonization of the territory in July.
Recent diplomatic ties with the Polisario had been prominent; Brahim Ghali served as the guest of honor at the 25th independence anniversary celebrations of Timor-Leste in September 2024, where he also met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Following the president’s address to the UN, media outlets associated with the Polisario have ignored the announcement.
Broader Shifts in Support
The Republic of Mauritius, an African Union member that had long supported the positions of the Polisario, has also endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan.
Timor-Leste’s own path to sovereignty was established via a 1999 UN-organized referendum. That process was overseen by Wolfgang Weisbrod-Weber, who subsequently led MINURSO from 2012 to 2014.
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