United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has released his annual report on the Moroccan Sahara, recommending that the Security Council extend the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for an additional year, until October 31, 2026.
Published Wednesday on the UN’s official website, the report provides a comprehensive overview of developments related to the Moroccan Sahara issue, both on the ground and at the diplomatic level, covering the period from October 2024 to September 2025.
As in previous years, Guterres’ report outlines the evolution of the political process led under the auspices of the United Nations, emphasizing ongoing efforts to revive dialogue among the parties concerned.
The document also delves into the security dimensions of MINURSO’s operations, shedding light on the mission’s civilian activities and the challenges faced in fulfilling its mandate amid complex regional dynamics.
On the human rights front, the report highlights Morocco’s continued efforts to promote and protect human rights in its southern provinces, while also noting documented violations and restrictions of fundamental freedoms in the Tindouf camps, located on Algerian territory.
The Secretary-General’s report concludes with a recommendation to renew MINURSO’s mandate for a further 12 months, underscoring the importance of maintaining the mission’s presence to support peace and stability in the region.
The UN Security Council is expected to meet at the end of October to deliberate and adopt a new resolution on the Moroccan Sahara, to be drafted by the pen-holder on the issue, the United States.
