On Thursday, October 29, 2026, General Mohamed Berriq, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, hosted Major General Joao Antonio Guodino, the new commander of the United Nations Mission in Western Sahara. The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Southern Zone in Agadir. According to a statement from the General Command of the Royal Armed Forces, the meeting provided an opportunity for both officials to exchange views on the mission's activities.
The meeting highlighted the excellent coordination between the Moroccan military and the UN mission in various areas, including operations, security, demining, and logistical support. Both General Berriq and Major General Guodino praised the levels of coordination achieved, reflecting their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation. The UN mission in Western Sahara aims to monitor the ceasefire and facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Major General Joao Antonio Guodino assumed his new role as commander of the UN Mission in Western Sahara earlier in 2026. The UN mission has been present in Western Sahara since 1991, with a mandate to implement a settlement plan for the disputed territory. Morocco and the Polisario Front have been engaged in a longstanding conflict over the region, with Morocco controlling most of the territory.
General Mohamed Berriq has been serving as Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone since his appointment in 2020. He has extensive experience in military operations and strategic planning. The Southern Zone is a critical region for Morocco, given its geographical significance and natural resources.
The meeting between General Berriq and Major General Guodino underscores Morocco's commitment to collaborating with international partners to achieve peace and stability in the region. Morocco has consistently emphasized the importance of a negotiated solution to the Western Sahara conflict, based on the principles of realism and compromise.
The UN Mission in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO, has a mandate to monitor the ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and support the political process. The mission has faced challenges in recent years, including delays in implementing its mandate and addressing the humanitarian needs of the local population.
The welcome ceremony for Major General Guodino reflects Morocco's ongoing engagement with the international community to address regional security challenges. Morocco continues to play a key role in promoting peace and stability in the region, through its active participation in international efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict.
Key points
- Morocco's General Mohamed Berriq hosts new UN mission commander Major General Joao Antonio Guodino
- The meeting highlights excellent coordination between Moroccan military and UN mission
- UN mission aims to monitor ceasefire and facilitate peaceful resolution to Western Sahara conflict
