King Mohammed VI orders coordination of MINURSO withdrawal in Western Sahara

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has directed his government to facilitate the orderly withdrawal of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). The instruction follows the UN's cessation of operations after the mission's mandate expired on October 30 without renewal. During a high-level meeting at the Royal Palace in Rabat, the monarch emphasized the necessity for a coordinated exit process that aligns with Morocco’s administrative and security protocols.

Throughout the discussions, King Mohammed VI reaffirmed Morocco's steadfast commitment to the ceasefire that has largely held in the region for decades. He underscored that while the international mission is departing, the country’s stance on its territorial integrity remains absolute. The King specifically instructed government officials to ensure that the withdrawal process does not disrupt local stability or the ongoing national security monitoring of the territories, which Morocco considers its Southern Provinces.

Despite the conclusion of the MINURSO mandate, Morocco continues to advocate for its proposed autonomy plan as the only viable political solution to the long-standing conflict. Government agencies have been tasked with maintaining all scheduled development programs in the region to support local populations and infrastructure. The King’s directive signals a transition in the management of the territory, placing a greater emphasis on domestic governance while maintaining international diplomatic commitments regarding the ceasefire.