The Moroccan Cabinet royal has announced that the United Nations Security Council has decided not to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO. This decision, made during a Security Council meeting on October 30, 2026, marks a significant step towards the definitive closure of the Sahara file at the UN. According to a communiqué from the Cabinet royal, this development is a major milestone in the management of this dossier.
The non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate means that the presence of the mission in the southern provinces of Morocco, including its personnel, vehicles, equipment, and symbols, should cease in the coming days. This brings an end to a 35-year period during which the mission has been present in the region. The mission was inherited from an outdated context and has long been seen as an instrument for internationalizing the regional dispute over Morocco's legitimate recovery of its Saharan provinces.
The Cabinet royal statement noted that the non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate should also mark the end of the Security Council's involvement in the issue and its removal from the council's agenda. As a result, periodic statutory meetings of the Security Council dedicated to the Moroccan Sahara, related reports from the UN Secretary-General, and briefings from his personal envoy would no longer be necessary.
The Moroccan government has expressed satisfaction with this development, but remains committed to the ceasefire, in strict respect for its territorial integrity, national security, and the tranquility of its citizens. The government also emphasized that the international dynamic launched by King Mohammed VI will continue, both bilaterally and regionally, and has already garnered significant support from over two-thirds of UN member states.
The support for Morocco's autonomy plan under its sovereignty has come from influential countries, including permanent members of the Security Council. The Cabinet royal statement stressed that this approach will continue to be pursued, both at the bilateral and regional levels. Morocco's efforts aim to capitalize on the progress made so far and to continue building on the momentum generated by the King's initiatives.
The decision not to renew MINURSO's mandate is seen as a significant shift in the management of the Sahara file, marking a move away from a simple logic of management towards a more transformative approach. This change in approach has been accompanied by a renewed emphasis on bilateral and regional diplomacy, with Morocco seeking to build a more stable and secure environment in the region.
The closure of the Sahara file at the UN is expected to have significant implications for the region, both in terms of politics and security. Morocco's commitment to the ceasefire and its emphasis on regional diplomacy are seen as key factors in maintaining stability and promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- Morocco's Cabinet royal announces non-renewal of MINURSO mandate
- Non-renewal marks significant step towards closure of Sahara file at UN
- Morocco to pursue bilateral and regional diplomacy to capitalize on progress made so far
