Nov 1 (FAAPA/GNA) – The Moroccan Royal Office has stated that the non-renewal of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) mandate by the Security Council during its meeting on October 30, 2026, is a significant step towards the definitive closure of the Sahara issue at the United Nations.
The non-renewal of MINURSO’s mandate clearly means that the presence of this Mission in the southern provinces of Morocco, notably through its personnel, vehicles, equipment, and symbols, should cease in the coming days, it said.
“A 35-year chapter has now come to a close. Rooted in an anachronistic and outdated context, this Mission has long served as a tool for internationalizing the regional dispute concerning the Kingdom of Morocco’s legitimate recovery of its Saharan provinces,” the statement by the Royal Office noted.
The non-renewal of MINURSO should mark the end of the Security Council’s referral and the withdrawal of this issue from its agenda. Consequently, the periodic statutory meetings of the Council dedicated to the Moroccan Sahara, the related reports of the UN Secretary-General, and the briefings of his Personal Envoy, would no longer be necessary.
“The UN political process, which has unfortunately been marked by the procrastination of other parties and their stubbornness in creating deadlocks and perpetuating the status quo, is thus suspended. Similar actions will also be taken shortly within other UN bodies,” it said.
The statement assures: while expressing its satisfaction with this development, Morocco remains firmly committed to the ceasefire, in strict respect of its territorial integrity, its national security, and the tranquility of its citizens.
GNA/FAAPA