Algeria Seeks Russian Support as UN Considers MINURSO Mandate Renewal

15:30

Algeria has engaged Russia diplomatically ahead of the United Nations Security Council’s expected review of the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Moroccan Sahara (MINURSO), with the future scope of the peacekeeping operation emerging as a point of discussion between officials in Moscow and Algiers.

On October 9, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Sergeyevich Alimov met Algeria’s ambassador to Russia, Toufik Djouama, to discuss the issue, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry. The meeting took place as the Security Council prepared to examine the mission’s mandate and the United States was expected to put forward a draft resolution on its renewal.

The diplomatic exchange highlights the differing priorities surrounding MINURSO’s future, particularly the question of whether the mission should retain its current presence and responsibilities while efforts to reach a political settlement remain ongoing.

Moscow reiterates its position on the dispute

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the discussions gave particular attention to the Moroccan Sahara issue in anticipation of the Security Council’s consideration of MINURSO’s mandate.

Alimov reaffirmed Moscow’s stated support for a fair, lasting and mutually acceptable settlement based on relevant Security Council resolutions and the principles of the UN Charter.

Russia also stressed the importance of preserving the United Nations’ presence in the territory in its current form until a settlement process has been completed, the ministry said.

The statement reflects Moscow’s position on maintaining the existing UN presence. However, it does not, by itself, establish how Russia would vote on a new resolution or whether it would oppose any proposed changes to the mission’s mandate.

Resolution 2797 Remains Central to the Diplomatic Debate

The latest diplomatic contact comes against the backdrop of Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted on October 31, 2025. The resolution extended MINURSO’s mandate until October 31, 2026, while requesting a strategic review of the mission’s future mandate, taking into account developments in negotiations.

The resolution also placed Morocco’s autonomy proposal at the basis of negotiations aimed at reaching a lasting and mutually acceptable political settlement. It calls on the parties to engage in discussions without preconditions while preserving the objective of self-determination for the people concerned.

The vote exposed differences among Security Council members. The resolution passed with 11 votes in favour and three abstentions, including Russia’s; Algeria did not participate in the vote.

Against this background, Russia’s latest statement is significant for the upcoming discussions, particularly its explicit preference for maintaining the UN presence in its current form. Whether that position will translate into opposition to proposed changes remains to be established.

A Sensitive Issue Ahead of the October Vote

The Security Council is expected to consider MINURSO’s renewal before its mandate expires at the end of October. The review comes as members assess the mission’s future role and the implications of the strategic review requested under Resolution 2797.

For Algeria, the discussions with Moscow provide an opportunity to exchange views with a permanent member of the Security Council whose position may carry weight in negotiations over the mission’s future. For Russia, the stated priority is maintaining stability on the ground while supporting a negotiated settlement consistent with UN principles.

The outcome will depend on the draft resolution presented to the Council, the positions adopted by its members and the direction of the broader political process.