ONU Officializes End of MINURSO Mandate in Moroccan Sahara

The United Nations has announced the beginning of the liquidation period for the MINURSO mission in the Moroccan Sahara, following the non-renewal of its mandate by the Security Council. A reduced team from the UN's Department of Operational Support will oversee the transfer of assets to their respective countries and the disposal of UN equipment. This move comes after the Security Council failed to adopt a resolution extending the mission's mandate, which expired on October 31.

The failure to adopt a resolution was due to the United States and Russia opposing two draft resolutions with vetoes. The Moroccan Cabinet has since called for the immediate withdrawal of MINURSO personnel, vehicles, equipment, and symbols from the southern provinces of the kingdom. The Cabinet described the non-renewal of the mandate as a significant step towards the definitive closure of the Moroccan Sahara dossier at the UN.

The MINURSO mission has been in operation for 35 years, and its non-renewal marks a new chapter in the region. The Moroccan government has long considered the mission an instrument of internationalization of the regional dispute over the Sahara. The UN's decision has been welcomed by Morocco as a positive development towards resolving the issue.

The liquidation process will involve the transfer of assets and equipment to their respective countries or disposal. The UN's Department of Operational Support will oversee the process, ensuring an orderly transfer of assets. The Moroccan government has expressed its satisfaction with the development, describing it as a significant step towards the closure of the dossier.

The Security Council's failure to renew the mandate has been seen as a significant shift in the international approach to the Moroccan Sahara issue. The use of vetoes by the United States and Russia has highlighted the complexities of the issue and the challenges of finding a resolution. The Moroccan government has reiterated its commitment to finding a solution to the issue.

The end of the MINURSO mandate marks a new chapter in the region, with Morocco seeking to assert its sovereignty over the Sahara. The government has called for the immediate withdrawal of MINURSO personnel and equipment, marking a significant shift in the region. The international community will be watching closely as the situation develops.

The Moroccan government has described the non-renewal of the MINURSO mandate as a significant step towards the definitive closure of the dossier. The government has expressed its satisfaction with the development, welcoming it as a positive step towards resolving the issue. The UN's decision has marked a significant shift in the international approach to the issue.

Key points

• The UN has announced the start of the liquidation period for the MINURSO mission in the Moroccan Sahara.
• The Security Council failed to adopt a resolution extending the mission's mandate due to vetoes from the US and Russia.
• The Moroccan government has welcomed the non-renewal of the mandate as a significant step towards the closure of the dossier.