Morocco has pledged to uphold the Western Sahara ceasefire following the end of the UN peacekeeping mission, as tensions persist with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.
Morocco has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the ceasefire in Western Sahara despite the termination of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, raising fresh questions about the future of the decades-long territorial dispute.
The announcement follows the United Nations Security Council’s decision not to renew the mandate of the 35-year-old peacekeeping operation, ending an international monitoring presence in the disputed territory.
Morocco Reaffirms Western Sahara Ceasefire Commitment
Morocco’s Royal Palace announced on Wednesday that the country would maintain its voluntary commitment to the ceasefire despite the end of the UN mission.
The statement followed a meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI and attended by the prime minister, a royal adviser and the country’s army chief.
The palace said Morocco’s position on the ceasefire would remain unchanged, while emphasising the need to protect the country’s territorial integrity, national security and citizens.
Morocco also expressed satisfaction with the Security Council’s decision not to renew the UN mission’s mandate.
Why Did the UN Peacekeeping Mission End?
The UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara operated for 35 years to monitor the ceasefire between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.
However, the Security Council did not renew its mandate last week, bringing the mission to an end, according to the United Nations.
Morocco argued that the mission had become ineffective in ensuring compliance with the ceasefire and that some of its original responsibilities were no longer relevant.
The development has drawn different reactions from the parties involved in the dispute. While Morocco welcomed the decision, the Polisario Front expressed concern, and Algeria described it as a matter of deep regret.
Western Sahara Dispute Between Morocco and Polisario Front
The Western Sahara conflict dates back to 1976, following Spain’s withdrawal from the territory.
Morocco claims sovereignty over Western Sahara, while the Polisario Front, a political and military movement backed by Algeria, has campaigned for an independent state.
Morocco controls the territory’s major urban centres and coastline. It also constructed a 2,700-kilometre security wall during the 1980s, separating areas under its control from territories where the Polisario Front operates.
The movement maintains positions east of the wall, with rear bases and refugee camps around Tindouf in southwestern Algeria.
Polisario Front Resumed Armed Struggle in 2020
Tensions between Morocco and the Polisario Front increased in 2020 when the movement announced the resumption of its armed struggle.
The announcement followed Morocco’s takeover of a border crossing with Mauritania.
Although the conflict has continued, the United Nations has described the fighting as being of low intensity.
The termination of the peacekeeping mission has renewed concerns about ceasefire monitoring and the possibility of further confrontations between the opposing sides.
Morocco Seeks Further Changes to Western Sahara’s UN Status
Morocco has also indicated that it intends to pursue additional diplomatic steps concerning Western Sahara’s international status.
Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said in an interview with state media that Rabat’s next objective would be to remove the territory from the United Nations’ decolonisation committee.
He claimed Morocco had the support of two-thirds of UN member states for the move.
The development signals Morocco’s intention to strengthen its diplomatic position over the disputed territory following the end of the peacekeeping mission.
However, the Polisario Front’s continued demand for independence and Algeria’s opposition to Morocco’s position mean the dispute remains unresolved.
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