Rabat maintains ceasefire in Sahara after MINURSO ends
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Africanews and 3News
Morocco says it will continue to observe the ceasefire in the Sahara despite the end of MINURSO’s mandate, the UN mission deployed for 35 years. Rabat reiterated its commitment after the mission ended on 31 October, following the failure to renew its mandate at the Security Council, Africanews and 3News report. Algeria expressed its regret, according to 3News.
MINURSO ceased its activities at midnight on 31 October, after the failure to renew its mandate at the Security Council, ending 35 years of UN presence in the Sahara. Morocco will continue to observe the ceasefire, according to the Royal Palace cited by Africanews and 3News.
The Royal Palace described this commitment as “voluntary” and accused MINURSO of repeatedly failing to monitor the truce or report certain violations. King Mohammed VI ordered the continuation of priorities linked to territorial integrity, national security and the protection of inhabitants of the southern provinces. Morocco’s Interior Ministry must also coordinate the mission’s withdrawal, according to 3News.
Russia thwarted the US draft for a renewal, while a Russian text providing for a one-year extension received only three votes, with the United States voting against it and 11 members abstaining, 3News reports. The US draft proposed removing the term “referendum” from the mission’s name and making Morocco’s autonomy plan the sole basis for negotiations.
Algeria expressed its regret and criticised the US draft, according to 3News. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that MINURSO’s departure did not remove the right to self-determination of the people of the Sahara and called on all parties to exercise restraint. About 180 civilian employees and associated personnel are due to leave the territory, while political efforts will continue under the auspices of Staffan de Mistura.
