UN Peace Operations Deputy Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix met with Major General Jawad Ahmad, the new commander of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), at UN headquarters on Tuesday evening. The meeting took place ahead of a UN Security Council session scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the Western Sahara conflict. The session will focus on countries contributing troops to the MINURSO mission.
During the meeting, Lacroix and Ahmad engaged in in-depth discussions on the latest developments in the Western Sahara conflict and the situation on the ground. They reviewed the mandate of MINURSO, which includes monitoring the ceasefire agreement, and discussed the challenges faced by the mission, particularly in the eastern part of the berm. The berm is a 2,700-kilometer-long defensive structure built by Morocco in the 1980s.
Both parties acknowledged the importance of MINURSO in maintaining security and stability in the region. They emphasized the need for the mission to continue fulfilling its mandate and for its personnel to carry out their duties effectively. The meeting highlighted the crucial role of MINURSO in supporting the UN's efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict.
The UN Security Council session scheduled for Wednesday will bring together representatives from countries contributing troops to MINURSO. The session aims to discuss the current situation in Western Sahara and the challenges faced by the mission. Morocco, the Polisario Front, and other stakeholders are expected to participate in the discussions.
Major General Jawad Ahmad, a Pakistani military officer, assumed command of MINURSO in August 2022. He succeeded Major General Stefano Fico, who completed his tenure as commander of the mission. Ahmad has extensive experience in peacekeeping operations, having served with UN missions in various countries.
The Western Sahara conflict has been a longstanding issue, with Morocco and the Polisario Front engaging in a decades-long dispute over the territory. The UN has been involved in efforts to resolve the conflict, including the establishment of MINURSO in 1991 to monitor the ceasefire agreement. Despite numerous rounds of talks, a lasting solution to the conflict remains elusive.
The meeting between Lacroix and Ahmad underscores the UN's commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara conflict. The UN continues to work with all parties involved to achieve a mutually acceptable solution that ensures the rights and interests of all stakeholders.
Key points
- The UN Security Council will discuss the Western Sahara conflict and the challenges faced by MINURSO during a session scheduled for Wednesday.
- MINURSO plays a crucial role in maintaining security and stability in Western Sahara.
- The mission's mandate includes monitoring the ceasefire agreement and supporting the UN's efforts to resolve the conflict.
