The head of MINURSO, Alexander Ivanko, has cast serious doubt on the Polisario's narrative of «war» in the Sahara, which it has promoted over the past four years. Speaking before the Security Council, the Russian diplomat highlighted the Front's «inability» to alter the status quo through military action, while praising the restraint shown by the Royal Armed Forces (FAR). On Monday, April 14, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Western Sahara and head of MINURSO, Alexander Ivanko, briefed Security Council members on the latest developments on the ground since the adoption of Resolution 2756 on October 31, 2024. In a statement accessed by Yabiladi, the Russian diplomat noted that «the POLISARIO Front does not appear capable of causing significant damage to the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) or altering the status quo through military means. However, they continue to reject my calls for a cessation of hostilities. On the other hand, the FAR, equipped with considerable military capabilities, have shown restraint so far». Ivanko revealed that the Polisario did not respond to his proposal for a truce during Ramadan, while the FAR accepted the offer, reserving the right to respond to Polisario attacks. During his briefing, Ivanko praised «the cooperation» of the FAR with MINURSO. «MINURSO enjoys close collaboration from the FAR at all levels, particularly through regular visits by the Force Commander to the FAR command in Agadir. Ground patrols and helicopter reconnaissance flights are regularly conducted, respecting the Mission's freedom of movement», he stated. «The FAR regularly reiterate their commitment to the ceasefire and related agreements, while reserving the right to self-defense». MINURSO has not addressed the construction of the second Morocco–Mauritania road crossing Ivanko lamented that the Polisario continues to restrict the movements of UN peacekeepers. «Ground patrols remain limited to corridors of 20 kilometers around the operational bases, and no helicopter reconnaissance flights are allowed», he said. «The Force Commander still cannot meet in person with the military leaders of the POLISARIO Front in Rabouni (camp, editor's note). As you can see, our ability to monitor the military activities of the parties remains very limited», he added. The head of MINURSO also addressed the road Morocco is building to connect Es-Smara to Mauritania. «Thanks to its observation activities, MINURSO has noted the construction of a 93-kilometer paved road linking Smara to the gate of the Amgala sand wall leading to Mauritania. MINURSO's investigative patrols have determined that this road would also be suitable for the movement of vehicles and heavy military equipment, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of the FAR troops deployed along the Sand Wall», Ivanko stated. «In February, the MINURSO Force Commander was informed by the FAR that the road was not related to its mandate or operations. This road is one of many planned by Morocco to strengthen road infrastructure in the territory», he clarified during his address to the UN executive body. A development likely to provoke the anger of the Polisario. Ivanko concluded his briefing by acknowledging that MINURSO continues to face a financial crisis «due to the late or partial payment of contributions by Member States. I have had to take drastic measures that limit our ability to carry out the tasks assigned by this Council. By mid-March, I had no choice but to drastically reduce ground patrols east and west of the sand wall, cancel all helicopter reconnaissance west of the wall, and postpone the replacement of outgoing military observers», he concluded.
