Morocco has welcomed the United Nations Security Council's decision not to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). The decision, taken on October 30, 2026, marks the end of MINURSO's presence in Morocco's southern provinces after over three decades of operation. Moroccan authorities view this development as a major step toward the definitive closure of the Moroccan Sahara issue within the United Nations framework.
The end of MINURSO's mandate coincides with Morocco's observance of Unity Day, proclaimed by King Mohammed VI. This day symbolizes a shift in the management of the Sahara issue from a policy of containment to one aimed at fundamentally transforming the parameters governing the dispute. Moroccan authorities stated that the non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate means that the mission's personnel, vehicles, equipment, and other operational symbols are expected to be withdrawn from the territory in the coming days.
The closure of MINURSO ends a 35-year chapter that originated in a different geopolitical context and had contributed to the internationalization of what Morocco considers a regional dispute linked to the recovery of its Saharan provinces. Morocco maintains that the decision should bring to an end the Security Council's regular consideration of the issue, including periodic meetings, reports by the United Nations Secretary-General, and briefings by his Personal Envoy.
The Kingdom also indicated that the UN-led political process surrounding the dispute has been suspended, attributing the situation to delays and deadlocks created by other parties involved in the process. Related measures are expected to be undertaken in other United Nations bodies. Despite welcoming the latest development, Morocco reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the ceasefire and safeguarding its territorial integrity, national security, and the well-being of its citizens.
Morocco said it would continue diplomatic efforts launched under the leadership of King Mohammed VI at bilateral and regional levels. Moroccan authorities noted that support for the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty has expanded internationally, with backing from a majority of UN member states, including permanent members of the Security Council and other influential countries.
Officials described the growing international support as evidence that the autonomy proposal remains, in Morocco's view, the only viable framework for resolving the regional dispute over the Sahara. The Moroccan government is optimistic that the new phase will bring about a definitive resolution to the Sahara issue, allowing the country to focus on its development and regional integration.
As Morocco moves forward, it is expected to strengthen its presence in the southern provinces and enhance its cooperation with neighboring countries. The country will likely continue to engage with the international community to secure further support for its autonomy initiative and to promote a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the Sahara dispute.
Key points
- Morocco welcomes the end of MINURSO's mandate as a major step toward resolving the Sahara issue
- The decision marks a shift in Morocco's policy toward the Sahara dispute, from containment to transformation
- Morocco reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the ceasefire and safeguarding its territorial integrity
