Morocco: UN Mission Ends After 35 Years in Western Sahara

The United Nations Security Council concluded its October 30, 2026, meeting without renewing the mandate of the MINURSO mission in Western Sahara. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the region's political trajectory, coinciding with Morocco's celebration of 'Unity Day,' a holiday established by King Mohammed VI to signify a break from past approaches and a transition to a more transformative strategy.

The end of the MINURSO mission, which has been in place for 35 years, signifies that the presence of its personnel, vehicles, equipment, and symbols in Morocco's southern regions should conclude in the coming days. The mission, a remnant of an outdated context, had long served as a tool for internationalizing the regional dispute over Morocco's claim to its Sahara territories.

The non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate also means that the Western Sahara issue will no longer be referred to the Security Council, effectively removing it from the Council's agenda. Consequently, there will be no further regular periodic meetings, reports from the UN Secretary-General, or briefings from the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy related to Western Sahara. This halts the international political process, which has been criticized for stalling and maintaining the status quo.

Similar steps are expected to be taken soon within other UN bodies. Morocco has expressed satisfaction with this development while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the ceasefire, respecting the safety and unity of its territories, national security, and the well-being of its citizens.

King Mohammed VI's international dynamic, which has already garnered significant support, will continue at both bilateral and regional levels. More than two-thirds of the United Nations members, including permanent members of the Security Council and influential international powers, support Morocco's autonomy initiative within the framework of its sovereignty as the sole solution to the regional dispute.