UN Chief Recommends Extending MINURSO Mandate in Western Sahara
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has recommended a 12-month extension of the MINURSO peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, continuing its mandate until October 31, 2025. This recommendation, outlined in his annual report on the situation in Western Sahara, is set to be discussed by the UN Security Council on October 30th, with the United States expected to present the final draft resolution.
The report itself provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in the Western Sahara issue, encompassing both on-the-ground realities and the international political landscape. It delves into the progress, or lack thereof, of the political process since the previous October, offering a snapshot of the current state of affairs.
Guterres’ report doesn’t shy away from addressing the complex security situation in the region. It analyzes the work of MINURSO, highlighting its civilian activities and the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate. The importance of this peacekeeping force cannot be overstated. Operating in Western Sahara since 1991, MINURSO plays a crucial role in monitoring the ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi liberation movement.
The report also shines a light on the often-overlooked human rights situation in Western Sahara. It examines the aid provided to those living in the Tindouf refugee camps in Algeria, while also assessing the protection of human rights within Western Sahara itself. Additionally, the report acknowledges the concerns raised by human rights organizations regarding alleged violations of fundamental rights and freedoms within the camps.
The issue of Western Sahara remains a contentious one. The territory, considered a non-self-governing territory by the UN, has been disputed for decades. Morocco claims sovereignty over Western Sahara, while the Polisario Front advocates for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. The international community, through bodies like the UN, continues to seek a peaceful and lasting solution to this complex issue.
The upcoming Security Council meeting will be a pivotal moment for the future of MINURSO and the Western Sahara peace process. The international community will be watching closely as the situation unfolds.
