On November 4, 2026, King Mohammed VI of Morocco presided over a working session to discuss the next steps following the end of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) mandate. The meeting was held at the Royal Palace in Rabat, with key officials and advisors in attendance. According to a statement from the Royal Palace, the King emphasized the importance of addressing the situation in Western Sahara. The MINURSO mission was established in 1991 to oversee a ceasefire and facilitate a referendum on the region's future.
The MINURSO mission has been a crucial presence in Western Sahara for over three decades. However, its mandate has faced numerous challenges and extensions over the years. The mission's primary objective was to organize a referendum to determine the region's status, but progress has been slow due to disagreements between Morocco and the Polisario Front. The situation remains complex, with multiple stakeholders involved. The King's emphasis on addressing the situation suggests a renewed focus on finding a solution.
According to the Royal Palace, the working session aimed to discuss the implications of the MINURSO mandate's end and the way forward. The King stressed the need for a thorough assessment of the situation and the exploration of new approaches. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Director-General of the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions focused on Morocco's strategy and potential next steps.
The MINURSO mission has undergone significant changes in recent years. In 2020, the UN Security Council voted to extend the mission's mandate for an additional 12 months. However, the mission's role has evolved, and it now focuses on observation and reporting rather than active mediation. This shift has been seen as a reflection of the complexities on the ground and the need for a more nuanced approach.
The situation in Western Sahara remains a sensitive and longstanding issue. Morocco has maintained that the region is an integral part of its territory, while the Polisario Front and other parties have called for a referendum to determine the region's status. The international community has repeatedly urged a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The King's meeting on November 4 highlighted Morocco's commitment to addressing the situation.
The working session presided over by King Mohammed VI is seen as a significant development in Morocco's approach to the Western Sahara issue. The King's emphasis on finding a solution and exploring new approaches suggests a renewed focus on diplomacy and dialogue. The outcome of the meeting and Morocco's next steps will be closely watched by international stakeholders.
The Moroccan government has not released a detailed statement on the outcome of the meeting. However, sources close to the Royal Palace indicate that the King has tasked officials with exploring new initiatives and engaging with international partners to find a way forward. The situation in Western Sahara remains complex, and a peaceful resolution will require sustained efforts from all parties involved.
Key points
- Morocco's King Mohammed VI has presided over a working session to discuss the next steps following the end of the MINURSO mandate.
