The Moroccan Royal Office has issued a statement expressing satisfaction with the United Nations Security Council's decision not to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) during its meeting on October 30, 2026. This move is seen as a significant step towards the definitive closure of the Sahara issue at the United Nations. The Royal Office emphasized that the presence of MINURSO in the southern provinces of Morocco will cease in the coming days.
The non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate marks the end of a 35-year chapter, which the Royal Office described as rooted in an anachronistic and outdated context. The Mission has been a tool for internationalizing the regional dispute concerning Morocco's legitimate recovery of its Saharan provinces. With this development, the Security Council's referral of the issue and its periodic statutory meetings dedicated to the Moroccan Sahara will no longer be necessary.
The Royal Office stated that the UN political process, which has been marked by procrastination and deadlocks, is suspended. Similar actions will also be taken shortly within other UN bodies. The statement assured that Morocco remains firmly committed to the ceasefire, in strict respect of its territorial integrity, national security, and the tranquility of its citizens.
The decision not to renew MINURSO's mandate implies that the Mission's personnel, vehicles, equipment, and symbols will cease to be present in the southern provinces of Morocco. This move is expected to bring an end to the periodic reports of the UN Secretary-General and the briefings of his Personal Envoy on the Moroccan Sahara.
Morocco's Royal Office views the non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate as a significant step towards resolving the Sahara issue. The country has been seeking a definitive closure of the issue at the United Nations. The Royal Office's statement reflects Morocco's satisfaction with the development and its commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
The suspension of the UN political process and the withdrawal of the Sahara issue from the Security Council's agenda are expected to have far-reaching implications. The decision will likely influence Morocco's relations with the international community and its approach to regional disputes.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) reported that the Moroccan Royal Office's statement was released on November 1, 2026, via the FAAPA/GNA. The report was shared on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn.
Key points
- Morocco welcomes UN Security Council's decision not to renew MINURSO's mandate.
- The non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate marks the end of a 35-year chapter.
- Morocco remains committed to the ceasefire and its territorial integrity.
