The Moroccan Royal Court has issued a statement calling for the closure of the UN's MINURSO mission in Western Sahara, marking a significant development in the region's conflict. The court's statement, released on October 30, 2026, emphasized that the non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate is a crucial step towards resolving the Western Sahara issue. This move is expected to bring an end to 35 years of UN involvement in the region.
The Royal Court's statement highlighted that the non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate necessitates the termination of its presence in the southern regions of Morocco within the coming days. This decision represents a significant shift in the management of the regional conflict, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The court also stressed the need to remove the Western Sahara file from the UN Security Council's agenda.
The statement emphasized that the continuation of the UN's political process in Western Sahara is no longer justified in light of recent developments. The court called for an end to the periodic meetings and reports related to the region, which are currently led by the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy. This move is seen as a significant step towards Morocco's efforts to assert its sovereignty over the region.
Despite this development, Morocco remains committed to maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring its national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The country's diplomatic efforts, led by King Mohammed VI, will continue on both bilateral and regional levels. The Royal Court's statement reaffirmed Morocco's commitment to finding a solution to the Western Sahara conflict.
The court's statement also highlighted the international support for Morocco's initiative, which proposes autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. The initiative has garnered backing from over two-thirds of UN member states, including permanent members of the Security Council and influential international powers. This support is seen as a significant endorsement of Morocco's efforts to resolve the conflict.
The development comes after Russia used its veto power to block a US-backed resolution on Western Sahara at the UN Security Council. The move reflects the complex international dynamics at play in the region, with various countries vying for influence. Morocco's efforts to assert its sovereignty over Western Sahara have been met with resistance from some quarters.
The closure of MINURSO and the transfer of the Western Sahara file from the UN Security Council mark a significant shift in the region's conflict dynamics. Morocco's diplomatic efforts are expected to continue, with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the conflict. The country's commitment to maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring its national security remains a top priority.
Key points
- The Moroccan Royal Court has called for the closure of the UN's MINURSO mission and the transfer of the Western Sahara file from the UN Security Council.
- Morocco remains committed to maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring its national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
- The country's initiative, which proposes autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, has garnered backing from over two-thirds of UN member states.
