The Polisario Front announced on Monday the arrest of 19 Moroccans for smuggling and drug trafficking. Through its media outlets, the separatist movement is trying to draw attention away from the drug trafficking war that broke off earlier this month between Brahim Ghali and Mohamed Lamine Ould El Bouhali‘s gangs.
The UN has cut peacekeeping budget after being pressured by Trump's administration. On Friday the General Assembly agreed on reducing the expenses of the UN missions including the Minurso, which canceled the purchase of a new helicopter.
The Polisario front is concerned about the Minurso’s withdrawal from the Guerguerate area. A message that was transmitted by M’hamed Khadad to Kim Bolduc, Head of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.
The UN is convinced that a terrorist attack targeting members of the MINURSO is being put together. The International organization,as a result, has called soldiers to remain prudent and cautious. On the other hand, Kim Bolduc, head of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, urged the Moroccan authorities and the Polisario to guarantee the security of the Minurso members.
The Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations mission for a referendum in Western Sahara through the adoption of Resolution 2351. The decision was met positively by Rabat while the Polisario remained silent.