The United Nations Security Council has decided not to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) during a meeting on October 30, 2026. This decision marks a significant development in the long-standing issue of Western Sahara. The move is seen as a major step towards the closure of the Western Sahara dossier at the United Nations.
The decision coincides with the celebration of Morocco's Unity Day, declared by King Mohammed VI. This day symbolizes a shift in the management of the Western Sahara issue, moving from a simple administrative approach to a more transformative one. The non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate implies that the mission's presence in the southern provinces of Morocco will come to an end in the coming days.
The MINURSO mission was established 35 years ago. It was inherited from a past context and has long been seen as an instrument for internationalizing the regional dispute over Morocco's legitimate recovery of its Saharan provinces. Morocco has long claimed sovereignty over Western Sahara.
The end of MINURSO's mandate is expected to mark the end of the Security Council's involvement in the issue and its removal from the Council's agenda. As a result, periodic meetings of the Security Council dedicated to Western Sahara, related reports from the UN Secretary-General, and briefings from his Personal Envoy will no longer take place.
The UN political process, which has been hindered by disagreements among parties, will be suspended. Similar actions will be taken within other UN bodies. Morocco has expressed satisfaction with this development while reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire, respecting its territorial integrity, national security, and citizens' tranquility.
King Mohammed VI has launched an international dynamic to address the Western Sahara issue, which will continue at bilateral and regional levels. This initiative has already garnered significant support from over two-thirds of UN member states, including permanent members of the Security Council and influential powers.
These countries support the autonomy of Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty as the sole framework for resolving the regional dispute. Morocco's approach to the Western Sahara issue appears to have gained significant international backing.
Key points
- The UN Security Council's decision not to renew MINURSO's mandate marks a significant shift in the Western Sahara issue.
- The mission's end is expected to lead to the closure of the Western Sahara dossier at the United Nations.
- Morocco's international initiative on Western Sahara has gained substantial support from UN member states.
