Morocco Celebrates a Historic Shift in Sahara Policy
On October 30, 2026, Morocco's Royal Cabinet made a groundbreaking announcement regarding the status of the Western Sahara region, interpreting the United Nations' decision not to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) as a decisive step towards the final resolution of the Sahara issue. This pivotal development, according to the Moroccan government, should pave the way for the withdrawal of the mission and the cessation of its periodic reviews by the UN Security Council.
The UN Security Council, during its meeting on the same day, did not extend the MINURSO mandate, a move that Rabat has classified as a "significant development" and a crucial milestone in concluding the Moroccan Sahara file within the United Nations framework. The Moroccan officials view this as an opportunity to eliminate the presence of the mission in the southern provinces and to remove its personnel, vehicles, equipment, and symbols.
A New Era After 35 Years of UN Presence
The Royal Cabinet emphasizes that this evolution marks the end of a 35-year period characterized by the UN's involvement in the Sahara conflict. They argue that MINURSO, which was established in a bygone context, has long served as a mechanism for internationalizing the territorial dispute over the Sahara. Moreover, Morocco advocates for a broader interpretation of the implications stemming from the non-renewal of the mandate, suggesting that this decision should also terminate the ongoing discussions of the Sahara issue on the Security Council's agenda, as well as the periodic meetings related to the matter.
In addition, the statement from the Royal Cabinet anticipates the cessation of reports from the UN Secretary-General concerning the issue and the briefings from his personal envoy, positing that the UN political process, which Morocco considers mired in deadlock and inactivity from other parties, should also conclude. Similar initiatives are expected to be pursued within other UN bodies in the near future, as outlined by the Royal Cabinet.
While celebrating this momentous change, Rabat reiterated its commitment to maintaining the ceasefire, ensuring the integrity of its territory, national security, and the peace of its citizens. The cabinet also highlighted the continuation of the diplomatic momentum initiated by King Mohammed VI at both bilateral and regional levels. This strategic approach has garnered significant international support for Morocco's autonomy proposal under its sovereignty, as more than two-thirds of UN member states, including permanent members of the Security Council and influential global powers, explicitly endorse this initiative, which Rabat presents as the only viable framework for resolving the regional dispute.
Finally, the Royal Cabinet places this development in the context of the celebration of the Unity Day, established by King Mohammed VI, which symbolizes a departure from the previous approach to the matter and signifies a shift from conflict management to a transformation of its parameters.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
