Russia Supports MINURSO Renewal in Western Sahara
Russia has officially expressed its support for the renewal of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), a significant diplomatic development occurring weeks before the UN Security Council is scheduled to review the mission's extension. This stance was conveyed during a meeting on October 9 between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov and Algerian Ambassador to Moscow, Toufik Djouama. The meeting, requested by the Algerian Ambassador, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, centered on key issues in the Middle East and Africa, with particular focus on the Western Sahara question and the forthcoming Security Council review of MINURSO's mandate.
During the discussions, Deputy Foreign Minister Alimov reaffirmed Russia's backing for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable resolution, firmly rooted in relevant Security Council resolutions and the United Nations Charter. He underscored the crucial importance of maintaining the United Nations' presence in the region "in its current form," recognizing its vital role in ensuring stability on the ground while the settlement process continues. This aligns with Moscow's consistent position, even following its abstention from a Security Council draft resolution in November 2025, where it still emphasized the necessity of renewing MINURSO's mandate for regional stability.
Moscow continues to advocate for a political settlement that enables the Sahrawi people to exercise their right to self-determination, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and Security Council decisions. Russia's explicit support for MINURSO's renewal ahead of the Security Council vote reinforces Algeria's sustained diplomatic efforts concerning Western Sahara and highlights the ongoing international emphasis on a resolution that upholds self-determination and regional stability.
