The UN Secretary-General's report on Moroccan Sahara, dated October 1, 2026, has shed new light on the negotiations between Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania. The talks, which took place in the first quarter of 2026, were facilitated by the United Nations and the United States. The report highlights the discussions that took place during the second round of negotiations, held in Madrid on February 8-9, 2026.
During the second round of negotiations, the parties discussed the possibility of establishing a transitional council to manage a potential transitional phase. The council would also provide a framework for continuing negotiations on the details of a political settlement. The talks also touched on the role of international parties, guarantees linked to the implementation of any potential agreement, and the sharing of resources.
The third round of negotiations, held in Washington on February 23-24, 2026, saw in-depth discussions on the transitional council and proposals prepared by the UN and the US. The parties also discussed the issues of self-determination and sovereignty over the territory. However, significant differences remained on these issues, prompting the negotiators to continue separate contacts with the parties.
The report also highlights the conditions set by the UN's personal envoy, Stefan de Mistura, for any proposal that could form the basis of a settlement. These conditions include responding to the highest international standards and providing strong international guarantees. The report also notes that Morocco has developed a more detailed "project for a self-government system" following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797.
On the ground, the report notes that tensions and low-intensity hostilities have continued. The report cites incidents of firing by the Polisario Front towards Moroccan army units and drone strikes east of the wall. A notable incident occurred on May 5, 2026, in the Smara region, where a UN patrol investigated the fall of projectiles that injured a civilian and caused material damage.
The report also highlights the concerns expressed by de Mistura about the impact of the military escalation on the political process. In his recommendations, Guterres proposes extending the mandate of the UN's MINURSO mission for an additional year, as its current mandate is set to expire on October 31, 2026.
The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold two meetings on October 7-8 to discuss the situation on the ground, the political process, and the future of the MINURSO mission. The council will then begin negotiations on a new draft resolution.
Key points
- The UN report reveals new details on the negotiations between Morocco, Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania.
- The parties discussed the possibility of establishing a transitional council to manage a potential transitional phase.
- The report proposes extending the mandate of the UN's MINURSO mission for an additional year.
