UN Chief Commends Morocco’s Commitment to Peace in Western Sahara
In a recent report to the UN Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres commended Morocco’s unwavering commitment to the ceasefire and its exemplary cooperation with the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).
Guterres highlighted the strong partnership between the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and MINURSO, emphasizing their collaborative efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region. This cooperation, he noted, is crucial for MINURSO to effectively fulfill its mandate of monitoring the ceasefire.
The report detailed several instances of this positive collaboration. In February 2024, the Special Representative and the Force Commander of MINURSO proposed a cessation of hostilities during the holy month of Ramadan. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces promptly responded, reaffirming their commitment to the ceasefire agreement on February 26th. This swift action, Guterres emphasized, reflects Morocco’s deep respect for peaceful resolutions.
Furthermore, the report outlined the regular communication and coordination between MINURSO and Moroccan authorities, both civilian and military. For instance, MINURSO conducted three visits to the headquarters of the Southern Zone in Agadir in November 2023, February 2024, and May 2024.
On an operational level, seven meetings took place between the military component of MINURSO and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. Two of these meetings were held in Laayoune in September 2023 and March 2024, three in Dakhla in October 2023, January 2024, and May 2024, and two in Guelmim in December 2023 and May 2024.
Guterres also acknowledged the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces’ significant contribution to demining efforts in the region. Between September 2023 and July 2024, they cleared a remarkable 189.09 million square meters of land. This achievement, the report noted, demonstrates Morocco’s expertise in demining and its dedication to ensuring the safe passage of goods and people.
However, the report also pointed out challenges faced by MINURSO due to a lack of cooperation from other parties. Guterres stated that his Special Representative and the MINURSO Force Commander were unable to communicate with the Polisario Front in Rabouni, despite following established procedures. This lack of engagement, he explained, contradicts claims of “liberated territories” and reaffirms the legal status of the buffer zone as defined by agreements between Morocco and the United Nations.
