Morocco’s King Mohammed VI orders coordination of MINURSO withdrawal, reaffirms ceasefire commitment

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has instructed the government to coordinate and facilitate the withdrawal of the United Nations mission in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO. This directive came after a working session at the Royal Palace in Rabat on November 4, 2026, following the UN Security Council's decision not to renew MINURSO's mandate on October 30. The UN has since confirmed the mission's cessation of operations and entry into a liquidation period.

During the meeting, King Mohammed VI emphasized Morocco's unwavering commitment to the ceasefire, stating that the termination of MINURSO's mandate would not affect this position. He underlined Morocco's territorial integrity, national security, and the safety of residents in the Western Sahara territory, which the kingdom refers to as its Southern Provinces. The King directed officials to prioritize these concerns while continuing development programs and major infrastructure projects.

The Royal Office stated that the officials present at the meeting were tasked with monitoring developments and upholding Morocco's position on the dispute. They were instructed to maintain the kingdom's previously expressed stance on the matter, even as they supported the peaceful resolution of the conflict through autonomy, a position backed by countries recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara.