The Moroccan parliament has hailed the United Nations' decision not to extend the mandate of the MINURSO mission in Western Sahara, describing it as a "historic milestone". In a joint session, lawmakers praised the country's commitment to a ceasefire, following the UN's announcement of a "liquidation period" for the mission. This development marks a significant shift in the decades-long conflict over Western Sahara.
According to the Moroccan parliament, the UN Security Council's vote to support Morocco's position on Western Sahara reflects growing international backing for the country's stance. The vote, which saw 11 countries support a resolution on Western Sahara, was seen as a significant diplomatic win for Morocco. The parliamentarians emphasized the need to consolidate diplomatic and developmental gains, while promoting national unity and social justice.
The MINURSO mission, established in 1991, had been a key player in efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict. The mission comprised 359 personnel, including both military and civilian components, until June 2026. However, the UN's decision not to renew its mandate has paved the way for a significant reduction in the mission's presence.
The UN has announced plans to withdraw around 160 military observers and reduce the number of civilian staff and contractors associated with the mission. The process will also involve the closure of 13 facilities and sites. A small team from the UN's Operational Support Department will oversee the liquidation of the mission and the handover of its sites.
The development comes after Russia used its veto power to block a US-drafted resolution that would have extended the MINURSO mission for another year. The resolution had included a plan for autonomy in Western Sahara, which Morocco had proposed as a potential solution to the conflict. The Moroccan parliament has emphasized the need to protect the country's diplomatic and developmental gains.
The Western Sahara conflict has been a longstanding issue, with Morocco and the Polisario Front vying for control over the territory. The UN's decision not to renew the MINURSO mission's mandate marks a significant shift in the international community's approach to the conflict. Morocco has maintained that the territory is an integral part of its kingdom.
The Moroccan parliament's decision to welcome the UN's move reflects the country's efforts to assert its sovereignty over Western Sahara. The development is likely to have significant implications for the region, as Morocco and other stakeholders seek to find a solution to the longstanding conflict.
Key points
- Moroccan parliament welcomes UN's non-renewal of MINURSO mission
- UN to withdraw 160 military observers and reduce civilian staff
- Russia used veto power to block US-drafted resolution on MINURSO extension
