- Royal directives focus on orderly transition following UN Security Council developments; Morocco prioritises national security, ceasefire commitment and accelerated development of the Southern Provinces
RABAT: His Majesty King Mohammed VI chaired a high-level strategic working session at the Royal Palace in Rabat on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, dedicated to preparations for the post-MINURSO phase in the Moroccan Sahara, following the United Nations Security Council’s October 30 session concerning the future of the UN mission.
The meeting marked an important stage in Morocco’s approach to the evolving situation, focusing on the implementation of national priorities, institutional coordination, security arrangements and the continued development of the Southern Provinces.
The Sovereign was accompanied by Head of Government Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Royal Advisor Fouad Ali El Himma, Minister of the Interior Abdelouafi Laftit, and General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and Commander of the Southern Zone.
Royal Directives for an Orderly Post-MINURSO Transition
During the meeting, King Mohammed VI issued High Instructions for the establishment of a MINURSO Coordination Office within the Ministry of the Interior, tasked with overseeing and facilitating the administrative and logistical arrangements associated with the winding down and withdrawal of the United Nations mission.
According to the Royal Palace communiqué, Morocco will facilitate this process in a spirit of institutional responsibility and cooperation with the United Nations, ensuring that the necessary arrangements are conducted in an orderly and coordinated manner.
The communiqué also highlighted Morocco’s assessment that the circumstances surrounding MINURSO’s original establishment and its initial mandate have evolved considerably in light of developments on the ground and changing international positions.
It further raised concerns regarding the mission’s effectiveness in monitoring ceasefire compliance and addressing reported violations.
King Mohammed VI Reaffirms Commitment to Ceasefire and Regional Stability
Despite the developments concerning MINURSO, King Mohammed VI reaffirmed Morocco’s full and voluntary commitment to the ceasefire, emphasising the Kingdom’s determination to preserve peace and regional stability while firmly safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Sovereign instructed the civil and military authorities present at the meeting to implement, within their respective areas of responsibility, the priorities outlined in the Royal Palace communiqué of October 30.
These priorities include protecting Morocco’s territorial integrity, strengthening national security, maintaining stability and tranquillity for citizens in the Southern Provinces, and ensuring the uninterrupted implementation of the New Development Model for the Southern Provinces.
Accelerating Development and Infrastructure in the Southern Provinces
A central focus of the Royal directives was the continuation and acceleration of Morocco’s ambitious development programme for its Southern Provinces.
King Mohammed VI emphasised the importance of maintaining the momentum of strategic infrastructure projects and development initiatives designed to strengthen economic opportunities, improve living standards and promote sustainable growth across the region.
The New Development Model for the Southern Provinces remains a cornerstone of Morocco’s broader vision for economic integration, infrastructure modernisation and regional development.
The strategic working session reflects the Kingdom’s determination to move forward with its institutional, diplomatic and development priorities amid a changing international context.
Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco continues to emphasise a comprehensive approach centred on sovereignty, security, stability, international cooperation and sustainable development, while reaffirming its commitment to peace and regional prosperity.
BY: The Times Union
