The diplomatic standoff culminated when Russia vetoed an American proposal backing Moroccan sovereignty, while the council simultaneously defeated Moscow's effort to renew the mandate. Beginning November 1, 2026, a reduced liquidation team will repatriate assets from the mineral- and fishery-rich region. Although originally launched in 1991 to supervise an independence referendum, the mission dissolved without ever holding the vote due to disputes over voter eligibility. U.N. officials have urged all sides to exercise restraint to prevent a resurgence of active warfare.
Key points
The planned self-determination referendum never materialized during three decades due to…: The planned self-determination referendum never materialized during three decades due to intractable disagreements over who qualified to vote.
The sudden departure of the peacekeeping operation heightens regional instability across…: The sudden departure of the peacekeeping operation heightens regional instability across Africa's longest-running territorial conflict.
Morocco welcomed the termination of the mission, while the pro-independence Polisario Fro…: Morocco welcomed the termination of the mission, while the pro-independence Polisario Front and Algeria strongly condemned the outcome.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
CASABLANCA, Morocco — The U.N.'s long-running peacekeeping mission for the disputed Western Sahara ceased operations Sunday after 35 years, as a result of a U.S.-Russia standoff at U.N. headquarters over the territory's future.
The end of the mission raises concerns about stability in the region. Rich in minerals and fisheries, Western Sahara is a vast desert territory roughly the size of Colorado along Africa's northwestern Atlantic coast. Once ruled by Spain, it is claimed by both Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front.
"This 1 November 2026 marks the start of the liquidation period," Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. secretary general, said in a statement. "A smaller team reporting to the United Nations' Department of Operational Support will oversee the orderly transportation of assets belonging to troop-contributing countries to their respective nations, and the appropriate disposal of equipment belonging to the United Nations.''
The mission had been repeatedly extended since it was established in 1991. In the U.N. Security Council on Friday, Russia vetoed a draft U.S. resolution that would have supported Morocco's demand for sovereignty over Western Sahara and…
Military operations by Saudi forces have struck the Ras Issa facility, which serves as a vital hub for importing and storing oil. The targeted site represents the largest maritime port currently under the control of the Houthi movement. In the aftermath of the military action, the group strongly condemned the incident and characterized it as a war crime.
Janata Dal (United)'s Nishant Kumar has stated that the party will strive to contest the Uttar Pradesh polls as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Discussing his political objectives, Kumar noted that his aim is to take his father's ideology to every single person.
Historical voting patterns since World War II demonstrate that modern administrations almost uniformly struggle to retain legislative power during mid-cycle votes. When voters hand control to the opposition party, the resulting majorities can halt presidential legislation, reject federal judicial nominees, or initiate impeachment inquiries. With the balance of power narrowly contested, tiny seat shifts dictate legislative authority and executive oversight.