The diplomatic push surrounding the Moroccan Sahara issue is gaining momentum as the UN Security Council prepares to make a decision on the MINURSO mission. According to sources, the US has been engaging in intense consultations with various stakeholders, including experts and specialists, to assess the future of the mission and its alignment with the evolving political landscape. This development comes as the Security Council's decision on MINURSO's extension or revision is imminent.
The UN Security Council concluded closed consultations on MINURSO and the political process for the Moroccan Sahara issue on October 8. The council members heard briefings from Alexander Ivanko, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of MINURSO, and Staffan de Mistura, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General. The briefings covered the situation on the ground and the status of the UN's political process. According to reports, de Mistura presented a pessimistic assessment of the prospects for progress, citing continued clashes and a lack of trust among parties as major obstacles.
The US is exploring options for MINURSO's future, including extending its mandate, revising its role, or potentially ending its mission. These possibilities are being discussed in the context of the UN Security Council's Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025, which supports negotiations based on Morocco's autonomy proposal. The resolution also requested the Secretary-General to conduct a strategic review of MINURSO's mandate, taking into account the progress of negotiations.
Morocco's autonomy plan has garnered support from several countries, including Peru, Qatar, and Côte d'Ivoire. These nations have expressed their backing for the plan as a basis for a negotiated solution to the Sahara issue. This development is seen as a significant boost to Morocco's diplomatic efforts, as it seeks to solidify support for its proposal.
The upcoming UN Security Council decision on MINURSO is expected to have significant implications for the future of the mission and the political process. The council's decision will likely determine the course of the negotiations and the level of international support for Morocco's autonomy plan. Morocco is seeking to build on its diplomatic gains and secure a more robust international endorsement of its proposal.
The issue remains a complex and contentious one, with various parties holding different positions. The African Union has also been involved in efforts to resolve the conflict, and its stance on the issue is being closely watched. As the diplomatic push continues, it remains to be seen how the various parties will engage and what the outcome will be.
The US engagement on the MINURSO file is seen as a critical development in the lead-up to the UN Security Council decision. Washington's stance on the issue is expected to play a significant role in shaping the council's decision and the future of the mission. Morocco is seeking to leverage its diplomatic support to achieve a more favorable outcome.
Key points
- The US is intensifying its diplomacy on the MINURSO file as the UN Security Council prepares to make a decision on the mission's future.
- Morocco's autonomy plan has garnered support from several countries, including Peru, Qatar, and Côte d'Ivoire.
- The UN Security Council's decision on MINURSO is expected to have significant implications for the future of the mission and the political process.
