UN Security Council Extends MINURSO Mandate in Western Sahara for Another Year

In the draft resolution presented by the United States, the Security Council welcomed the "serious and credible" efforts of the Kingdom through this initiative.

While the same text once again establishes Algeria as the main party to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, it has demanded that the countries involved in this resolution reach "a realistic, pragmatic and lasting political solution" on the Sahara issue through a compromise.

The executive body of the United Nations stressed the need to appoint a new Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Sahara while insisting on the consecration of the round table process. The Council also wished "the resumption of consultations between the next Personal Envoy" and the stakeholders on this major issue, namely Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario.

According to the Security Council, the parties should once again commit to moving the lines under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General. "The realization of a political solution to this long-standing dispute and the strengthening of cooperation between the member states of the Arab Maghreb Union would contribute to stability and security, in turn leading to the creation of jobs, growth and opportunities for all the peoples of the Sahel region," it wished.