The future of the UN mission and renewed diplomatic efforts are drawing attention as negotiations over Western Sahara remain unresolved.
The United Nations Security Council is approaching a key decision on Western Sahara, with the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) set to expire on October 31, 2026.
The upcoming decision comes amid renewed diplomatic activity involving Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria and Mauritania, as the United Nations seeks to revive a political process that has struggled to overcome longstanding differences.
According to the UN Secretary-General’s report published on October 1, 2026, the Western Sahara issue remains before the Security Council as part of ongoing international efforts to reach a political settlement. The report is listed under document number S/2026/781.
Morocco’s autonomy proposal remains central to discussions
The diplomatic process follows Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted on October 31, 2025. The resolution extended MINURSO’s mandate until October 31, 2026, and called for negotiations taking Morocco’s autonomy proposal as a basis for discussions.
The resolution also emphasized the need for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution consistent with the UN Charter, including the principle of self-determination.
Morocco has long presented autonomy under its sovereignty as its proposed framework for resolving the dispute. The Polisario Front maintains a different position on the territory’s future. Algeria and Mauritania are also involved in the UN-led political process.
UN envoy identifies obstacles to progress
Diplomatic efforts continue to face significant challenges. Reporting by Hespress English on October 9, citing a UN source, said UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura had identified continued hostilities and deep mistrust among the parties as major obstacles to progress.
The absence of a lasting ceasefire and the parties’ divergent positions remain concerns for efforts to move toward substantive negotiations.
Security Council decision expected October 31
The Council’s forthcoming decision will determine the next mandate arrangements for MINURSO. Discussions have also raised questions about the mission’s future role as diplomatic efforts continue.
The outcome and final wording of any new resolution remain to be confirmed. The decision should not be treated as settled until the Security Council formally adopts its text.
For Morocco, the coming days will be closely watched as diplomatic efforts continue around its autonomy proposal. More broadly, the challenge for the United Nations remains finding a political settlement acceptable to the parties and consistent with relevant Security Council resolutions.
Sources
- United Nations Security Council, Resolution 2797 (2025).
- United Nations Security Council, Secretary-General reports for 2026.
- Hespress English, UN source: Two familiar obstacles weigh on de Mistura’s Sahara push ahead of Oct. 31.
World Media Feed will continue following developments as the Security Council approaches its decision.
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