Questions arise over MINURSO chief Alexander Ivanko’s impartiality

The neutrality of Alexander Ivanko, head of the UN mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO), is being called into question. The scrutiny follows his meetings with Moroccan officials in Rabat, during which no discussions were held with Polisario Front representatives—a scenario that has drawn praise from certain Moroccan media outlets. Concerns regarding his impartiality are centered on his personal relationship with a Moroccan staff member within his office. Previous reports highlighted that this relationship prompted high-level interventions within the UN and discussions with Russian diplomats, ultimately leading to pressure on Ivanko to postpone his marriage plans. These circumstances have sparked concerns about whether his personal ties interfere with the strict impartiality expected of his role in the conflict.