Diplomatic wrangling over Western Sahara is entering a new phase. As the next UN Security Council vote approaches, Morocco is stepping up its efforts around the future of MINURSO. Algeria, for its part, is counting on Washington to ensure the file gradually loses prominence on the American agenda, according to Africa Intelligence.
The next milestone will be particularly important. The current mandate of the UN mission ends on 31 October 2026. The fifteen members of the Security Council will then have to decide on its renewal and future framework.
MINURSO between Morocco and Algeria: Rabat wants to amend the current setup
According to Africa Intelligence, Moroccan diplomats are currently multiplying démarches to obtain the end of MINURSO “in its current form.”
This wording does not necessarily mean that Rabat is demanding the immediate shutdown of the mission. It may also refer to an adjustment of its mandate, its functioning or its resources.
The debate is therefore expected to focus on the role MINURSO could play in the next phase of the political process.
Resolution 2797 has reshaped the talks
The Security Council had already updated the framework for negotiations in October 2025.
With Resolution 2797, adopted on 31 October 2025, the Council extended MINURSO’s mandate until 31 October 2026. The text also calls on the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to continue negotiations.
The resolution urges the parties to engage in talks without preconditions, taking the Moroccan autonomy proposal as a basis. It also specifies that the objective remains a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, consistent with the UN Charter and the principle of self-determination.
Above all, the text includes an element that could weigh heavily on the next decision. It asks the Secretary-General to submit a strategic assessment of MINURSO’s future mandate, taking into account developments in the negotiations.
Washington at the heart of diplomatic calculations
In this context, the United States occupies a central place in the behind-the-scenes talks.
Africa Intelligence reported as early as 15 September that the US administration was examining several options regarding MINURSO ahead of the 31 October vote. The outlet also indicated that Massad Boulos and UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura were seeking to secure progress in the negotiations before that deadline.
A few days later, Africa Intelligence noted that Rabat and Algiers had both intensified their diplomatic efforts. According to the same source, Algiers is in particular counting on Washington to “de-prioritise” the file.
This diplomatic battle is therefore being waged both over the wording of the next Security Council resolution and over the ability of the different players to shape debates in Washington and at the UN.
A key deadline on 31 October
The calendar gives particular weight to the coming weeks.
Resolution 2797 sets 31 October 2026 as the expiry date for MINURSO’s current mandate. Between now and then, diplomatic consultations must determine the outlines of the next stage.
For Rabat, the key issue is to adapt the UN mechanism to the new context of the negotiations. For Algiers, the priority is rather to keep the file within a framework that does not lead to developments it considers unfavourable.
The two positions therefore remain far apart.
The future role of MINURSO at the centre of the debate
Created in 1991, MINURSO remains the United Nations mission dedicated to Western Sahara.
Its future is now a core part of ongoing diplomatic discussions. Resolution 2797 explicitly provides for a strategic review of its future mandate.
This provision raises several questions: which tasks should be maintained, which responsibilities should be adjusted, and what role should be assigned to the mission in the current negotiation context? No final decision has yet been taken on these points.
Rabat and Algiers enter a new phase
With only weeks to go before the vote, the Western Sahara dossier is once again at the centre of diplomatic discussions in Washington and at the Security Council.
Rabat is seeking to turn the evolution of the political framework into concrete changes for MINURSO. Algiers, for its part, is trying to preserve its positions and is relying on its diplomatic channels in Washington.
The next Security Council resolution will above all show how far this new diplomatic sequence can go in reshaping the mission’s role.
Between now and 31 October, negotiations and consultations between the different parties are therefore expected to be closely watched.
External sources:
Don’t miss out on the latest news from the diaspora!
Sign up for our next newsletter to receive our practical guides, advice (on procedures and investment) and the latest news for French nationals living abroad, delivered straight to your inbox.
