Baku:Bobo-Dioulasso The United Nations Security Council's decision not to renew the mandate of MINURSO on October 30, 2026, has been described as a significant step towards closing the Sahara issue at the UN, as per a statement from the Moroccan Royal Cabinet.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the non-renewal signifies that MINURSO's presence in Morocco's southern provinces, including its personnel and equipment, will soon cease. This decision ends a 35-year chapter where the mission was seen as a tool for internationalizing the regional dispute over Morocco's recovery of its Saharan provinces.

The statement from the Moroccan Royal Cabinet further elaborated that the cessation of MINURSO's mandate should conclude the Security Council's involvement, removing the issue from its agenda. Consequently, there will be no need for the Council's periodic meetings or reports by the UN Secretary-General concerning the Moroccan Sahara.

Additionally, the statement criticized the UN political process for being stalled due to other parties' procrastination and resistance. It indicated that similar actions would be taken across other UN bodies. Despite these changes, Morocco remains committed to maintaining the ceasefire and safeguarding its territorial integrity and national security, reassured the Royal Cabinet.