The Moroccan Royal Diwan announced on October 30 that the UN Security Council had decided not to extend the mandate of the MINURSO mission, a development seen as a major step towards resolving the Western Sahara issue. This decision was made during a meeting of the UN Security Council held on the same day. According to the Royal Diwan, this move signifies a substantial shift in the international community's approach to the matter.
The decision not to extend the MINURSO mandate implies that the presence of the mission in Morocco's southern regions, including its personnel, vehicles, equipment, and symbols, should come to an end in the coming days. The Royal Diwan described this as the closure of a 35-year chapter. The MINURSO mission, inherited from a bygone era, has long been seen as a tool for internationalizing the regional conflict over Morocco's claim to its desert territories.
The Royal Diwan's statement emphasized that the non-renewal of the MINURSO mandate should put an end to the issue being referred to the UN Security Council and remove it from the council's agenda. Consequently, there will no longer be a 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.
The statement noted that this development coincides with the celebration of the "Unity Day," a national holiday decreed by King Mohammed VI to mark a decisive shift in Morocco's approach to the Western Sahara issue. The king's initiative aims to move beyond mere management of the conflict and adopt a new approach based on a profound transformation of the underlying factors.
The Royal Diwan also highlighted that Morocco remains committed to the ceasefire, while reaffirming its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the security and stability of its citizens. The diwan expressed satisfaction with the international dynamic launched by King Mohammed VI, which has garnered significant support, including from over two-thirds of UN member states.
The decision not to extend the MINURSO mandate is seen as a significant step towards putting an end to the internationalization of the Western Sahara conflict. Morocco's initiative for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty has been endorsed by many countries, including permanent members of the UN Security Council and influential global powers.
The Royal Diwan's statement concluded by emphasizing that Morocco will continue to pursue its diplomatic efforts at both the bilateral and regional levels to consolidate support for its initiative. The country is committed to finding a solution to the conflict that respects its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Key points
- The UN Security Council's decision not to extend the MINURSO mandate marks a significant step towards resolving the Western Sahara issue.
- Morocco's Royal Diwan sees the move as a major shift in the international community's approach to the conflict.
- The decision implies that the presence of the MINURSO mission in Morocco's southern regions should come to an end.
