UN Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara Ends After 35 Years

After 35 years, the United Nations peacekeeping mission MINURSO in Western Sahara has been dissolved after the UN Security Council failed to renew its mandate. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that MINURSO will go into a liquidation period on 1 November 2026 and transfer its assets back to the troop-contributing states. This has led to mixed reactions from Morocco, Algeria and the Polisario Front.

Background to the MINURSO Mission

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was created in 1991 following a UN-brokered ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front.

It was primarily responsible for overseeing the ceasefire and organizing a referendum to decide the future of Western Sahara. However, there was a lack of agreement on determining who should vote at the referendum.

Western Sahara was a Spanish colony. Spain left Western Sahara in 1976. Since then, the Polisario Front has been pushing for independence. Morocco claims sovereignty over the region, while the Polisario Front (supported by Algeria) supports independence.

UN Security Council Deadlock

The mission has now been dissolved due to disagreement within the UN Security Council over the future of Western Sahara. One year ago, the Council passed a resolution drafted by the US stating that Morocco’s plan to give autonomy to the territory under Moroccan sovereignty was the most viable option.

However, as of recently, Russia vetoed a new resolution proposed by the US aiming to further emphasize the UN’s preference for Morocco’s autonomy plan, whilst reducing the number of peacekeepers. Following this, the Council voted to reject another Russian resolution, meaning that MINURSO’s mandate was not renewed.

Responses from Morocco and Algeria

Morocco have welcomed the decision that the mission has not been renewed. The Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita has said that MINURSO’s mandate includes an outdated referendum clause.

However, Algeria has expressed their great sadness over the decision, and has criticized what they believed to be the US’ unfair favoritism towards Morocco. The Polisario Front have also expressed their concern over the deadlock within the Security Council.