Extension of the mandate of the MINURSO, by the Security Council

The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was created by the Security Council in April 1991 with a dual purpose: monitor the ceasefire between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front and organize the referendum allowing the people of Western Sahara to freely exercise its fundamental right to self-determination in compliance with the principles of the UN Charter and the General Assembly resolutions.

25 years later, the referendum has not yet taken place. While the UN Secretary-General spares no effort to find an agreement for the organization of the referendum, the Kingdom of Morocco has refused him the access to Western Sahara and has delayed his visit to Rabat. More recently, the Kingdom of Morocco also decided to deport 83 members of the MINURSO’s civil component.

It is in this very tense atmosphere that, by the end of the month, the Security Council should renew the mandate of the MINURSO with a view to achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.