The UN Security Council has voted to end the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, known as Minurso. This decision, made during a meeting on October 30, 2026, marks a significant step towards the final closure of the Western Sahara issue at the UN. According to a statement from the Royal Cabinet, this move indicates that the presence of Minurso in the southern provinces of Morocco will soon come to an end.
The non-renewal of Minurso's mandate implies that the mission's personnel, vehicles, equipment, and symbols will no longer be present in the region. This decision brings an end to a 35-year-long mission that was inherited from a bygone era. The Royal Cabinet's statement described Minurso as an instrument of internationalization of the regional dispute over Morocco's legitimate recovery of its Saharan provinces.
The end of Minurso's mandate is expected to lead to the closure of the file on Western Sahara at the UN Security Council and its removal from the council's agenda. As a result, periodic meetings of the Security Council dedicated to the Moroccan Sahara, related reports from the UN Secretary-General, and briefings from his Personal Envoy will no longer be necessary.
The suspension of the UN's political process, which was often hindered by disagreements and blockages from other parties, is also anticipated. Similar actions are expected to be taken within other UN bodies in the near future. The Moroccan government has expressed satisfaction with this development, while reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire and the protection of its territorial integrity, national security, and citizens' safety.
The decision to end Minurso's mandate was made by the UN Security Council during a meeting on October 30, 2026. This move is seen as a significant step towards resolving the Western Sahara issue, which has been a long-standing concern for the international community. The African region has been closely watching the developments in this matter.
Morocco's Sahara region has been a disputed territory for several decades, with the UN playing a key role in attempting to resolve the issue. The end of Minurso's mandate marks a new chapter in the region's history, and the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
The Moroccan government's stance on the issue remains clear, with a focus on protecting its territorial integrity and national security. The country is committed to maintaining stability and peace in the region, and the end of Minurso's mandate is seen as a positive step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The UN Security Council's decision to end Minurso's mandate marks a significant step towards resolving the Western Sahara issue.
- The end of Minurso's mandate is expected to lead to the closure of the file on Western Sahara at the UN Security Council.
- Morocco remains committed to the ceasefire and the protection of its territorial integrity, national security, and citizens' safety.
