King of Morocco Demands Accelerated Withdrawal of MINURSO Peacekeeping Forces from Western Sahara

King Mohammed VI of Morocco ordered authorities to assist in accelerating the withdrawal of United Nations peacekeeping forces from Western Sahara after the 35-year-old mission's mandate was not renewed.

This came according to a statement by the Moroccan Royal Office, following King Mohammed VI chairing a working session at the Royal Palace in Rabat dedicated to monitoring the post-mandate phase of the UN mission.

The Moroccan monarch requested "the Ministry of Interior to take responsibility for coordinating tasks and supporting the liquidation and withdrawal of the mission," referring to the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).

The mission has been responsible since its establishment in 1991 for monitoring the ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front.

The United Nations announced earlier the start of the liquidation phase of the MINURSO mission, following the failure of the UN Security Council to renew its mandate.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed that the MINURSO mission was established to protect the people of Western Sahara and enable them to exercise their right to self-determination, clarifying that the cessation of the mission's work does not negate these rights.

These developments come amid growing international concerns over renewed tensions, with recurring demands for a permanent political solution to the ongoing conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front under UN auspices.