Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations: Resolution 2797 opens “a new chapter” toward a lasting settlement
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, recently adopted in support of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, represents, according to Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, “a new chapter full of hope” for the definitive resolution of the Moroccan Sahara issue.
Speaking in Brussels to international media, Lacroix emphasized that the resolution marks a major political development, reaffirming the realistic, pragmatic, and durable approach promoted by the Kingdom of Morocco. He noted that the text provides renewed momentum to the political process and should help create conditions more conducive to a consensual and stable solution.
He stressed that MINURSO remains a key actor on the ground, tasked with preventing tensions, maintaining a climate favorable to dialogue, and supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts. “The ultimate goal is clear: to allow for a gradual withdrawal of the mission once the political process has been successfully concluded,” he said, highlighting that the priority remains the consolidation of a peaceful environment.
Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, praised the resolution as “significant,” noting that it now recognizes Morocco’s autonomy plan as a serious and credible reference for achieving a final settlement. He also pointed out that the current international momentum reflects an increased willingness to support an inclusive political solution.
A fragile global budget context: Partial redeployment of peacekeepers
Lacroix also announced that UN peacekeeping operations will see an approximate 25 percent reduction in deployed personnel over the coming months. This measure is due to a decline in financial contributions, some of which remain partially or completely unpaid by member states.
The United States, the largest contributor to the peacekeeping budget, will provide only a portion of the initially planned $1.3 billion, resulting in a projected overall shortfall of around 15 percent for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
As a result, nearly 14,000 peacekeeping personnel will be repatriated, and in certain areas, bases will be closed or operational capacities adjusted. Lacroix emphasized that these measures are “reversible,” with the UN retaining the ability to redeploy forces once budgetary conditions allow. “Each mission is focused on preserving what is essential: the protection of civilians and the support of stability,” he concluded.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv
