The termination of the MINURSO mission follows a failed Security Council vote where Russia vetoed an American-drafted mandate renewal, while a rival Russian proposal also fell short. First established in 1991 to supervise a ceasefire and prepare a self-determination referendum, the mission entered its liquidation phase on November 1 to repatriate assets. Morocco welcomed the departure as a pathway to shift the issue away from UN oversight, whereas Algeria and the Polisario Front condemned the council's division and perceived bias.
Key points
The end of the 35-year peacekeeping operation removes a critical buffer between Moroccan…: The end of the 35-year peacekeeping operation removes a critical buffer between Moroccan forces and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.
Competing resolutions between the United States and Russia have paralyzed the Security Co…: Competing resolutions between the United States and Russia have paralyzed the Security Council's formal handling of the Western Sahara conflict.
Regional reactions remain split, with Morocco favoring the mission's expiration while Alg…: Regional reactions remain split, with Morocco favoring the mission's expiration while Algeria and the Polisario Front criticize the resulting deadlock.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
The mission, known as MINURSO, has been in place in the disputed region since a ceasefire in 1991.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of potential escalation of hostilities in the disputed Western Sahara region after the expiry of a 35-year-long peacekeeping mission.
“The Secretary-General said he remains concerned about the security situation throughout the territory and the risk of hostilities escalating,” his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement on Sunday.
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Guterres also confirmed the end of the peacekeeping mission on Sunday, after the UN Security Council (UNSC) failed to renew its mandate on Friday.
He urged all concerned “to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from actions that could further increase tensions or undermine regional stability”.
November 1 marked the start of the “liquidation phase” of the peacekeeping mission, with assets…
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