Rabat:Morocco has expressed approval of the United Nations Security Council's decision not to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). Moroccan authorities consider this move a significant step towards concluding the Moroccan Sahara issue within the United Nations framework.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Security Council's decision was made during its meeting on October 30, 2026, marking the conclusion of MINURSO's operations in Morocco's southern provinces after more than thirty years. This development coincides with Morocco's observance of Unity Day, signifying a shift in the approach to the Sahara issue from containment to transformative management.
Moroccan officials have stated that the non-renewal will lead to the withdrawal of MINURSO's personnel and equipment from the region shortly. They view this as closing a chapter that began in a different geopolitical context and contributed to the internationalisation of what Morocco regards as a regional dispute over its Saharan provinces.
Morocco has further asserted that the decision should halt the Security Council's periodic engagement with the issue, including its meetings and reports. The Kingdom also mentioned that the UN-led political process concerning the dispute has been suspended due to delays and deadlocks attributed to other parties involved. Additional measures are anticipated in other UN bodies.
Despite welcoming the decision, Morocco remains committed to upholding the ceasefire and protecting its territorial integrity and national security. The country intends to continue diplomatic initiatives led by King Mohammed VI at both bilateral and regional levels. Moroccan authorities have noted increasing international support for the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty, with backing from a majority of UN member states, including permanent members of the Security Council.
Officials have described the growing international support as affirmation that Morocco's autonomy proposal is the only viable solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara.