The UN Security Council is set to hold closed consultations on Thursday, October 6, regarding the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). During the meeting, council members will receive briefings from Staffan de Mistura, the UN Special Envoy to Western Sahara, and Alexander Ivanko, the Special Representative and head of MINURSO. This was announced by Sidi Mohamed Amar, the Sahrawi ambassador to the UN and coordinator with MINURSO.
According to Ambassador Amar, the foundation for a fair and lasting solution to the Western Sahara conflict lies in ensuring the inalienable right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and independence through a free and transparent referendum. He emphasized that this approach is crucial for resolving the longstanding dispute. The Sahrawi ambassador also highlighted the strong support for the Sahrawi cause during the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
The UN General Assembly's 81st session saw significant backing for the Sahrawi issue, with the UN Secretary-General, in his latest report, affirming that the UN committees continue to address Western Sahara as a decolonization issue. Ambassador Amar expressed appreciation for this stance, which reflects the international community's commitment to finding a just solution.
Recently, a Sahrawi delegation met with Mike Waltz, the US Permanent Representative to the UN. This meeting is part of ongoing dialogue with UN Security Council members and the United States, which holds the pen on the MINURSO mission. During the meeting, the Sahrawi delegation reiterated their commitment to the UN's political process while rebuffing any proposals that might compromise their legitimate aspirations or legitimize Moroccan occupation.
The Sahrawi delegation emphasized that resolving the status of Sahrawi refugees is directly tied to ending the Moroccan military occupation that led to their displacement in 1975. This issue remains a critical aspect of the Western Sahara conflict. The meeting with the US representative demonstrates the continued engagement between Sahrawi officials and key international players.
The upcoming Security Council consultations on MINURSO underscore the ongoing international attention to the Western Sahara issue. The mission's role and the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict will likely be key topics of discussion. As the situation develops, the international community remains engaged in efforts to find a lasting solution.
The Western Sahara conflict has been a longstanding issue, with the Sahrawi people seeking self-determination and independence. The UN's involvement, through MINURSO, aims to facilitate a peaceful resolution. The upcoming Security Council meeting will provide an opportunity for member states to discuss the current situation and future prospects for the region.
Key points
- The UN Security Council will hold closed consultations on the MINURSO mission, hearing briefings from key UN officials.
- A fair and lasting solution to the Western Sahara conflict requires ensuring the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and independence.
- The international community, including the UN and the United States, remains engaged in efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara conflict.
