Morocco's Royal Cabinet has stated that the non-renewal of the mandate of MINURSO, the peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, implies that the mission's presence in the Kingdom's southern provinces should come to an end. This development is considered a major step toward resolving the issue of Western Sahara. The Cabinet described it as an "important development" that marks a transition from managing the situation to a profound transformation of underlying parameters.
The non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate comes after Russia vetoed a US-drafted resolution that sought to reinforce the UN-led political process to end the dispute over Western Sahara. The US draft aimed to rename the mission and remove the "R" word, referring to a referendum, which Algeria's regime continues to push. Russia suggested an alternative that only sought to renew the mission's mandate, preventing the US from renaming it.
The UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution, leading to the expiration of MINURSO's mandate on Saturday. Morocco's Royal Cabinet attributed the failure of the UN political process to the procrastination and insistence of other parties on creating a state of deadlock and perpetuating the status quo. The Cabinet emphasized that this process will come to an end and similar steps will be taken within other UN bodies.
Morocco expressed satisfaction with this development, reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire while respecting its territorial integrity, national security, and citizens' peace of mind. The international momentum launched by King Mohammed VI will continue at bilateral and regional levels, having already garnered significant support from over two-thirds of UN member states.
The Autonomy Initiative under Moroccan sovereignty has received backing from influential international powers and permanent members of the Security Council. Morocco's Royal Cabinet stated that this momentum will continue, marking a break with the previous approach to the issue. The development embodies a transition from managing the situation to transforming underlying parameters.
King Mohammed VI declared October 31 a national holiday, Unity Day, in 2025, marking the adoption of Resolution 2797. This resolution acknowledged Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a genuine political solution and the basis for negotiating a political solution to end the dispute over Western Sahara. The Royal Cabinet's statement was made on the same day, emphasizing the significance of this development.
Algeria's regime hosts, finances, and arms the Polisario, backing its separatism and alleging it is an observer to reject its responsibility in the dispute. The US also vetoed Russia's attempts to undermine efforts in advancing the political process. Morocco's Royal Cabinet emphasized that the mission's presence, through its personnel and vehicles, should end in the coming days.
Key points
- The non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate implies the end of the mission's presence in Morocco's southern provinces.
- Morocco's Royal Cabinet attributes the failure of the UN political process to the procrastination of other parties.
- The Autonomy Initiative under Moroccan sovereignty has received significant international support.
