The United Nations has concluded the peacekeeping operations of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) after the UN Security Council failed to agree on renewing its mandate.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the mission’s closure does not affect the people of Western Sahara’s right to self-determination. He confirmed the UN will continue supporting efforts towards a peaceful, mutually acceptable political solution through his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura.
The UN established MINURSO in 1991 after years of conflict between Morocco and the Frente POLISARIO over Western Sahara, a disputed territory following Spain’s withdrawal in 1975. The mission was created to monitor a ceasefire and support a planned referendum on self-determination, although the vote was never held, leaving the territory’s status unresolved.
Key points:
- MINURSO’s mandate expired after the Security Council failed to adopt competing US and Russian draft resolutions.
- The mission monitored the ceasefire since 1991, although hostilities resumed in 2020.
- An orderly liquidation process has begun under the UN Department of Operational Support.
- António Guterres urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could increase tensions.
Morocco welcomed the end of MINURSO, viewing it as an opportunity to advance its autonomy proposal for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty. The Frente POLISARIO expressed concern over the Security Council’s failure to renew the mission, arguing that it could weaken efforts to uphold the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. The UN has reiterated that it will continue supporting dialogue and diplomatic efforts towards a lasting political solution.
ℹ️ UN News, Al Jazeera