The following is a statement issued by the Royal Cabinet regarding the non-renewal of MINURSO’s mandate by the United Nations Security Council at its meeting held today, October 30, 2026.
“The mandate of MINURSO was not renewed by the United Nations Security Council at its meeting held today, October 30, 2026.
This represents a major development and a significant step towards the definitive closure of the Moroccan Sahara issue at the United Nations.
This major development coincides with the celebration of Unity Day, instituted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, to mark a turning point in the handling of this issue, moving from a mere management approach to one aimed at fundamentally transforming its parameters.
Thus, the non-renewal of MINURSO’s mandate clearly means that the Mission’s presence in the Kingdom’s Southern Provinces, particularly through its personnel, vehicles, equipment and symbols, should come to an end in the coming days.
A 35-year chapter has now closed. A legacy of an anachronistic and bygone context, this Mission has long served as an instrument for internationalizing the regional dispute concerning the Kingdom of Morocco’s legitimate recovery of its Saharan provinces.
Furthermore, the non-renewal of MINURSO’s mandate should mark the end of the Security Council’s consideration of this issue and its removal from the Council’s agenda. Consequently, the Council’s regular scheduled meetings devoted to the Moroccan Sahara, the related reports of the United Nations Secretary-General, and briefings by his Personal Envoy would no longer serve any purpose.
The UN-led political process, which has unfortunately been marked by the delaying tactics of the other parties, their determination to create deadlock and perpetuate the status quo, is thus suspended. Similar measures will also be undertaken shortly within other UN bodies.
While expressing its satisfaction with this development, Morocco remains firmly committed to the ceasefire, in strict respect for its territorial integrity, national security and the peace and tranquility of its citizens.
Moreover, the international momentum initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God preserve Him, will continue at both bilateral and regional levels. It has already garnered substantial support, with more than two-thirds of UN member states, including permanent members of the Security Council and influential powers, clearly backing autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the sole framework for resolving this regional dispute.”
