The Moroccan parliament has announced that it will hold a joint session on November 2, 2026, to discuss the latest developments in the Western Sahara issue. The session, which will be attended by members of both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, is scheduled to take place at 1 pm. The move is seen as a significant development in the country's efforts to address the long-standing issue.

The joint session was announced by the presidents of the two houses of parliament, who sent a notification to all members, inviting them to attend and participate in the discussions. The session is expected to focus on the recent developments in the Western Sahara issue, including the situation at the UN Security Council. The council recently failed to adopt a resolution on the issue, with Russia vetoing a US-backed draft.

The developments in the Western Sahara issue have been seen as a significant shift in the international landscape. The UN Security Council's failure to adopt a resolution has been viewed as a major setback for the peace process. The Moroccan government has been pushing for a more robust international response to the issue, and the joint session of parliament is seen as a move to galvanize support for the country's position.

The US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, recently described the UN's MINURSO mission, which has been monitoring the situation in Western Sahara, as a "symbol of a project doomed to fail". The mission's mandate expired recently, and the US and Russia have been at odds over its renewal. Morocco has been calling for a change in the mission's mandate or its complete withdrawal.

The Moroccan government has been keen to emphasize its commitment to finding a solution to the Western Sahara issue. The country's monarch, King Mohammed VI, has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The joint session of parliament is seen as a move to reinforce the government's efforts to address the issue.

The Western Sahara issue has been a major point of contention for decades, with Morocco and the Polisario Front, a separatist group, vying for control of the territory. The issue has been the subject of numerous international efforts to find a solution, but a lasting resolution has yet to be found. The Moroccan government's efforts to galvanize support for its position are seen as a significant development in the ongoing saga.

The joint session of parliament is expected to provide a platform for Moroccan lawmakers to discuss the latest developments in the Western Sahara issue and to reaffirm the country's commitment to finding a peaceful solution. The session is also seen as a move to demonstrate Morocco's commitment to democratic principles and to engaging with the international community on the issue.

Key points

  • Moroccan parliament to hold joint session on Western Sahara developments
  • US Ambassador describes MINURSO mission as "symbol of a project doomed to fail"
  • Morocco pushes for change in MINURSO mandate or its complete withdrawal

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.