On Thursday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres released his annual report on the Moroccan Sahara, recommending that the UN Security Council extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for another year, until October 31, 2025.
As in previous years, the report highlights recent developments in the Moroccan Sahara, both locally and internationally, providing an overview of the political process from last October to the present.
The report also addresses security issues related to MINURSO’s mission, including its civilian operations and the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate. Additionally, it reviews human rights matters, emphasizing the humanitarian aid provided to populations confined in the Tindouf camps, as well as the protection of human rights and the violations of fundamental freedoms in these camps.
The report concludes with several recommendations, the most notable being the call to extend MINURSO’s mandate for an additional 12 months. The Security Council is expected to convene on October 30 to vote on the new resolution concerning the Moroccan Sahara, which will be presented by the United States.
