The UN Security Council held private meetings this week to discuss the Sahara issue as part of its regular review of the peacekeeping mission MINURSO, according to diplomatic sources.
During the meeting, officials received updates from Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Alexander Ivanko, head of the mission, and Asif Khan. They spoke about recent political developments, the security situation on the ground, and what role the mission could play in the future.
These discussions come at a time of increased diplomatic efforts by Morocco. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has recently visited several European countries, including Austria and the United Kingdom, and also held meetings in Switzerland. His visits are happening alongside the ongoing UN talks, bringing more international focus to the issue.
Diplomatic sources say that both the UN discussions and Morocco’s bilateral meetings show efforts to influence the political process. However, Security Council talks remain private, and member countries still have different opinions on how to move forward.
Morocco continues to support its autonomy plan as a solution to the conflict, and officials say it has gained more international backing in recent years.
Observers note that some countries have recently shifted their positions, giving new momentum to the discussions. Still, differences among Security Council members continue.
Attention is now on the next steps in the UN-led process, including the future of MINURSO and how it can help reach a political solution.
The Sahara conflict has been discussed at the United Nations for many years, with repeated calls for a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution.
