The Moroccan Royal Diwan announced on October 30, 2026, that the United Nations Security Council did not extend the mandate of the MINURSO mission in Western Sahara. This development marks a significant step towards closing the file on Western Sahara within the United Nations. The decision comes as Morocco celebrates its "Unity Day," a national holiday established by King Mohammed VI to mark a new approach to the Western Sahara issue.
The MINURSO mission, established 35 years ago, was inherited from a bygone era and had become a tool for internationalizing the regional conflict over Western Sahara. The mission's presence in the southern provinces of Morocco will reportedly come to an end in the coming days, with the withdrawal of its personnel, vehicles, equipment, and symbols. This move is seen as a significant shift in Morocco's approach to the issue, moving away from mere management to a new approach based on a profound transformation of the determinants.
The non-renewal of the MINURSO mandate implies that the file will no longer be referred to the Security Council, effectively removing it from the council's agenda. As a result, there will be no justification for holding regular meetings of the council dedicated to Western Sahara, nor for reports from the UN Secretary-General or briefings from his personal envoy. This development brings an end to the UN's political process, which had been characterized by delays and a lack of progress.
Morocco has expressed satisfaction with this development, while reaffirming its commitment to a ceasefire and respect for its territorial integrity, national security, and the safety of its citizens. The country is expected to take similar steps within other UN bodies in the near future. The dynamic international approach launched by King Mohammed VI will continue on both bilateral and regional levels, having already garnered significant support from over two-thirds of UN member states.
The Moroccan initiative, which proposes autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, has been endorsed by many countries, including permanent members of the Security Council and influential international powers. This approach is seen as the only viable framework for resolving the regional conflict. The development is expected to have significant implications for the future of Western Sahara and Morocco's relations with the international community.
The end of the MINURSO mission marks a significant shift in the international community's approach to the Western Sahara issue. Morocco's new approach, launched by King Mohammed VI, aims to bring about a profound transformation of the determinants of the conflict. The country's commitment to a ceasefire and respect for its territorial integrity and national security remains unwavering.
The future of Western Sahara and Morocco's relations with the international community will be shaped by the developments of the past few days. Morocco's initiative, which proposes autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, is seen as a viable solution to the regional conflict. The international community will be watching closely as Morocco takes steps to implement its new approach and address the complex issues surrounding Western Sahara.
Key points
- Morocco's Royal Diwan announces end of MINURSO mission in Western Sahara
- Non-renewal of MINURSO mandate implies file will no longer be referred to Security Council
- Morocco's initiative proposes autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as solution to regional conflict
