The Algerian government has expressed its deep regret over the non-renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). This decision came after the failure of a US-backed resolution on Western Sahara at the UN Security Council on Friday, October 30, 2026. According to a statement released on Saturday, October 31, 2026, Algeria lamented the non-renewal of the MINURSO mandate.
The MINURSO mission was established to organize a referendum in Western Sahara, a disputed territory in North Africa. The Algerian government has long been a supporter of the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. In a statement, the Algerian government described the US-backed resolution as being "tailored" to favor Morocco, which claims sovereignty over Western Sahara.
The UN Security Council vote on the US-backed resolution was reportedly contentious. While the resolution was adopted, several countries expressed reservations about the proposed text. Algeria's ambassador to the UN, Said Benmoussa, stated that the resolution did not take into account the concerns of all parties involved. The non-renewal of the MINURSO mandate has raised concerns about the future of the peace process in Western Sahara.
The situation in Western Sahara remains complex and sensitive. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which is recognized by many African countries, claims sovereignty over the territory. However, Morocco also claims ownership, leading to a decades-long dispute. The MINURSO mission was established in 1991 to organize a referendum, which has yet to take place.
Algeria's reaction to the non-renewal of the MINURSO mandate reflects its long-standing support for the Sahrawi people. The Algerian government has consistently called for a peaceful and just solution to the Western Sahara conflict. In a recent statement, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune reiterated Algeria's commitment to supporting the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.
The international community has been following the developments in Western Sahara closely. The African Union has called for a peaceful and negotiated solution to the conflict. The European Union has also expressed concern about the situation, highlighting the need for a lasting and peaceful resolution.
The non-renewal of the MINURSO mandate has significant implications for the peace process in Western Sahara. The future of the mission and the prospects for a referendum remain uncertain. Algeria's reaction to the UN's decision reflects its concerns about the impact on the Sahrawi people and the region as a whole.
Key points
- Algeria expresses regret over UN's decision not to renew MINURSO mandate.
