UN Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara Ends After 35 Years Following Security Council Veto
The UN MINURSO mission concludes in Western Sahara after three decades due to a Russian veto. Guterres pledges continued support for peace efforts.
POLICY WIRE — Casablanca, Morocco — The United Nations’ historic peacekeeping presence in the disputed territory of Western Sahara officially ceased operations on Sunday, marking the end of a 35-year tenure.
The closure followed a failure by the UN Security Council to renew the mandate for the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO.
Secretary-General António Guterres stated on Sunday that the organization remains dedicated to finding a political resolution that is fair, lasting, and mutually agreeable, while respecting the self-determination of the local population.
Guterres emphasized that the conclusion of MINURSO’s activities does not negate the rights or interests of the people living in the region.
The mission’s expiration was triggered by a deadlock between the United States and Russia at the UN headquarters.
Although 11 out of the 15 Security Council members supported the renewal—including permanent members France and the United Kingdom—Russia successfully utilized its veto power to block the resolution.
Following the veto, the council also rejected a competing proposal introduced by Russia, resulting in the mission ending without a new legal mandate.
Western Sahara, formerly a colony of Spain, remains a point of intense territorial dispute between Morocco and pro-independence movements.
Despite the end of active peacekeeping operations, the UN maintains it is prepared to continue facilitating diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the regional conflict.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
