The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, which has been active for 35 years, is set to come to an end. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the decision after the Security Council failed to renew the mission’s mandate.
The mission, known as MINURSO, was established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and help organize a referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara. The proposed referendum was intended to allow people in the region to decide their political future.
However, the referendum never took place because of disagreements between the parties over who should be allowed to vote. These disagreements prevented the mission from completing one of its main responsibilities.
Guterres announced that November 1 marks the beginning of the mission’s liquidation phase. During this process, the mission’s assets and equipment will be returned to the countries that provided them. The decision marks a major change in the UN’s involvement in the region.
The development follows a Security Council resolution adopted last year that recognized Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the most practical solution to the long-running conflict. Morocco welcomed the decision, viewing it as support for its proposal.
However, the Polisario Front, which supports independence for Western Sahara and receives backing from Algeria, expressed concern about the move. The disagreement highlights the continuing differences between the parties over the region’s future.
The end of MINURSO raises questions about the future of the Western Sahara conflict and efforts to reach a lasting political solution. The region’s status remains disputed, with different sides continuing to push for their preferred outcome.