South Africa & Frente POLISARIO on Western Sahara MINURSO Mandate Renewal

MINURSO Mandate Renewal and Disappointment

• 🌍 The UN Security Council has renewed the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until October 31, 2026.
• 😔 South Africa expresses disappointment that the latest resolution supports negotiations based only on the Moroccan plan, neglecting the self-determination and proposals of the Sahrawi people.
• 🔑 This shift questions MINURSO's core mandate to facilitate a referendum for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

Western Sahara: Decolonization and Self-Determination

• 📌 The issue of Western Sahara is framed as both a peace and security matter, and a matter of decolonization.
• 🤝 Resolution requires direct talks between Morocco and Frente POLISARIO, rejecting non-inclusive processes with preconditions.
• ✊ Western Sahara is described as the last remaining colony on the African continent, with South Africa strongly supporting the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.

Frente POLISARIO's Perspective and Gratitude

• 🙏 Frente POLISARIO expresses gratitude to South Africa for its principled support and to Algeria for its unwavering commitment to the UN Charter and international law.
• 🇨🇳🇷🇺🇵🇰 Thanks are extended to Russia, China, and Pakistan for their abstentions, sending a message against deviating the peace process.
• 🗓️ Today marks 50 years of Morocco's illegal occupation of Western Sahara, characterized by oppression and resistance.

Path Forward and UN's Role

• 📢 Frente POLISARIO reaffirms the Sahrawi people's determination to continue their liberation struggle for freedom and independence.
• 💬 They remain ready to engage positively in the UN-sponsored process, based on their expanded proposal submitted on October 20th.
• ⚖️ The Security Council's message is clear: the way forward is a mutually acceptable solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
• 🚫 The resolution does not imply any recognition of Morocco's sovereignty or its illegal military occupation.