The United Nations has begun dismantling its MINURSO mission in Morocco’s southern provinces, with plans to repatriate approximately 160 military observers, reduce its civilian workforce and close 13 facilities following the Security Council’s failure to renew the mission’s mandate.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Monday that the liquidation process, which began November 1, would be conducted gradually under UN administrative, financial and environmental procedures.
The operation will involve approximately 180 civilian personnel and other mission workers, alongside the closure of field installations, disposal or transfer of UN-owned equipment, and dismantling of communications and logistical support systems.
A small team from the UN Department of Operational Support, assisted by headquarters, will oversee the withdrawal, including the management of mission archives, local contracts and financial obligations.
Dujarric said administrative, financial and security oversight would continue throughout the process, with staff safety remaining a priority.
The UN secretary-general has called for full cooperation from the parties concerned to complete the withdrawal as quickly as possible.
MINURSO chief expected in Rabat
MINURSO chief Alexander Ivanko is expected to travel to Rabat on Tuesday for discussions with Moroccan officials on the withdrawal timetable and logistical arrangements, a UN source told Hespress.
The planned visit follows a meeting Ivanko held Monday in Laayoune with senior mission officials and personnel, during which he formally informed them of the mission’s termination and outlined the next steps.
According to the source, discussions in Rabat will address the departure schedule, administrative procedures and management of UN property and equipment.
Mission ends after Security Council deadlock
MINURSO’s mandate expired October 31 after Russia vetoed a US-drafted Security Council resolution supported by 11 members. A separate Russian proposal also failed to secure adoption, leaving the mission without a renewed mandate.
Morocco’s Royal Cabinet described the October 30 outcome as a significant step toward closing a 35-year chapter of UN involvement in the Sahara dispute.
The Cabinet said the mission’s personnel, vehicles, equipment and other assets would leave the southern provinces in the coming days.
Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita subsequently said Morocco would facilitate an orderly withdrawal rather than seek to expel UN personnel.
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