UN Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara Ends After Security Council Deadlock

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara officially concluded its mandate after the UN Security Council failed to reach an agreement on its future. The mandate for the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO, expired at midnight following a deadlock during Friday's council session.

During the council meeting, a draft resolution put forward by the United States faced a veto from Russia. Meanwhile, a rival text proposed by Russia failed to secure the necessary nine votes required for adoption, leaving the 15-nation body divided on the path forward.

Despite the termination of the mission's operations, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the organization remains dedicated to finding a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution. In a statement delivered by his spokesperson on Sunday, Guterres emphasized that the departure of MINURSO does not abrogate the people's inalienable right to self-determination.

The UN chief acknowledged the central role MINURSO has played since 1991 in monitoring the ceasefire and establishing conditions for a political resolution. He expressed his deepest gratitude to all mission personnel, including Special Representative Alexander Ivanko, who guided the mission through a challenging period after hostilities resumed in 2020. Guterres also paid tribute to the 20 MINURSO personnel who lost their lives over the mission's 35-year history in the territory.

Sunday marked the beginning of a liquidation period for the mission. A smaller team operating under the UN Department of Operational Support will oversee the return of assets to troop-contributing countries and the disposal of UN equipment. Guterres called for full cooperation from all parties to ensure this withdrawal process is completed in an orderly manner as soon as possible.

Expressing concern over the current security situation and the potential for escalating hostilities, the Secretary-General urged all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint. He emphasized the need to refrain from actions that could further increase regional tensions or undermine stability.

Reflecting on the council's division, the United States delegate argued that the American draft resolution would have supported self-determination and advanced the decades-long conflict, calling the existing status quo unacceptable. Conversely, the Russian delegate defended the veto by describing the US text as a measure that would have imposed one-sided solutions, while noting that Russia's alternative proposal failed to gain enough support.

Established in 1991 under Council resolution 690, MINURSO was originally created to carry out settlement proposals that included a referendum for the people of Western Sahara to choose between independence and integration with Morocco. Although that referendum never took place, the mission continued its mandated tasks until its expiration. Concluding his statement, Guterres affirmed that the UN stands ready to continue supporting dialogue and peaceful resolution efforts through his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura.