Sahara: UN Secretary-General renews call for dialogue between Morocco & Algeria, recommends extension of MINURSO mandate

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated the need for Algeria’s strengthened commitment to achieving a political solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara,while welcoming Morocco’s recent signals in favor of dialogue with Algeria

In his latest report to the Security Council on the Moroccan Sahara,Guterres welcomes Morocco’s recent signals in favor of open dialogue with Algeria,referring in particular to the Throne Speech of July 29,2025,in which King Mohammed VI reaffirmed Morocco’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Algiers in a “frank,responsible,fraternal,and sincere” spirit.

Guterres reiterated that neighboring states,first and foremost Algeria,have “a crucial role to play in achieving a solution” to this dispute,noting that this could also strengthen their own security and development prospects.

However,he notes that “despite declarations of intent,” no “concrete improvement” has been recorded in Algerian-Moroccan relations,calling on both countries to “renew their efforts” towards regional cooperation,an essential condition for lasting peace in the Maghreb.

In the same spirit,the Secretary-General also noted the wish expressed by King Mohammed VI to see the emergence of “a consensual solution – a solution with neither winner nor loser; a face-saving solution for all parties.”

He emphasizes that Morocco reiterated to the Personal Envoy,Staffan de Mistura the call for the resumption of negotiations within a framework that includes all parties concerned,including Algeria.

This reminder of the need for dialogue comes as the UN and the international community are redoubling their efforts to revive the political process with a view to achieving a realistic,pragmatic,and lasting political solution to the dispute over the Sahara that lasted for decades.

In his annual report,the UN Secretary-General recommended that the Security Council extend MINURSO’s mandate for one year,until October 31,2026.

As in previous years,this report,officially published on the UN website,addresses recent developments in the Moroccan Sahara issue,both on the ground and at the international level.

It provides an overview of the evolution of the political process from last October to September 2025.

In addition,it discusses the security aspects related to MINURSO’s actions,particularly with regard to its civilian activities and the challenges encountered in implementing its mandate.

The annual report also addresses the issue of human rights,highlighting Morocco’s efforts to promote and protect human rights in the Moroccan Sahara,as well as the violations of fundamental rights and freedoms in the Tindouf camps.

The report recommends,among other things,the extension of MINURSO’s mandate for a period of 12 months.

The Security Council will convene at the end of October 2025 to adopt the new resolution on the Moroccan Sahara,which will be presented by the pen-holder,the United States.