Sahara: UN report extends MINURSO, warns of escalation
The UN adopts Guterres's report on the Sahara, recommending MINURSO's extension until 2027 and a resumption of direct dialogue, while warning of the risk of escalating hostilities.
The United Nations has adopted the final version of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's report on the Western Sahara file, without major changes, recommending a further one-year extension of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until October 31, 2027. The report's adoption comes days before the UN Security Council's expected session, which is set to vote on renewing the mandate of the mission that has monitored the ceasefire in the Sahara since 1991.
Warning against an escalation of hostilities
The report warns that the absence of MINURSO would sharply raise the risk of an escalation of hostilities in the region, and calls on all parties to avoid any steps that could undermine trust or hinder the political process. According to the report, the mission continues to monitor incidents, investigate them, and engage with the parties to contain tensions on the ground.
Call to resume direct dialogue
The report calls for resuming direct dialogue between Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario Front, with support from the United States and other Security Council member states. It describes exploring genuine self-rule for the people of the Sahara as one of the most workable solutions, in line with Security Council resolution 2797, adopted in 2025.
Shortage of military observers
The report points to logistical and financial challenges limiting the mission's work: only 153 of the 218 military observers authorized under its mandate are actually deployed, which has reduced the pace of land patrols, demining operations, and the air capabilities available on the ground.
Why it matters
The report's adoption comes at a sensitive time, ahead of the Security Council's upcoming session on renewing MINURSO's mandate, in a file that remains Morocco's foremost national cause. The report maintains the same direction as the resolution adopted by the Security Council in 2025, which considers autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the basis for a settlement, while the parties involved remain far from an effective resumption of direct negotiations.