As the UN prepares to vote on extending Minurso's mandate, the Polisario Front raises concerns about the UN's approach to Western Sahara's referendum.
Polisario Front issues statement
Two weeks before a vote on whether to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Organization of a Referendum in Western Sahara (Minurso), the Polisario Front released a statement on October 13, commenting on recent closed-door meetings of the United Nations Security Council. Divergences with UN envoy
The Sahrawi independence movement expressed significant disagreements with the approach of Staffan de Mistura, the United Nations special envoy for Western Sahara. The Polisario Front criticized the methods used by de Mistura in facilitating negotiations. Maintaining negotiation cycle
Despite these criticisms, the Polisario Front emphasized that it aims to voice its concerns without disrupting the ongoing negotiation process that began earlier this year. The statement reflects a desire to continue diplomatic efforts while addressing internal disagreements. UN Security Council meetings
The recent closed-door meetings of the United Nations Security Council were held to discuss the future of Minurso, which has been overseeing the process for a potential referendum on Western Sahara’s self-determination. The outcome of these discussions will influence the vote on the mission’s extension.
