On November 1, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, released a statement confirming the cessation of operations for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). The mission's mandate was not renewed by the Security Council. Guterres acknowledged MINURSO's role since 1991 in monitoring the ceasefire. He expressed gratitude to the mission's head, Alexander Ivanko, and paid tribute to 20 personnel members who lost their lives during 35 years of deployment.
The statement outlined the beginning of the liquidation process for MINURSO. A reduced team from the UN's Operational Support Department will oversee the transfer of contingent-owned goods to their respective countries and the disposal or sale of UN-owned equipment. Guterres requested full cooperation from parties involved to ensure an orderly and timely operation. This aligns with a request from the Moroccan Royal Cabinet on October 30 for the departure of personnel and equipment.
The MINURSO mission was initially established to oversee a referendum; however, this option has been deemed unrealistic for over two decades. The Security Council has shifted its focus towards a negotiated political solution within the framework of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. The UN Secretary-General's statement mentioned the referendum only in the context of the mission's former mandate.
Guterres expressed concern over the risk of escalating hostilities in the region and called for restraint from all parties. He urged them to refrain from actions that could compromise regional stability. This message follows the Polisario Front's declaration in November 2020, which ended the ceasefire from their camps in Algeria.
The Polisario Front's actions have contributed to the current situation. Algeria had advocated for MINURSO's mandate to include a referendum; however, the UN's statement instead emphasized liquidation and equipment disposal. This outcome marks a shift in the UN's approach, focusing on a political solution that aligns with the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty.
The UN remains committed to supporting parties towards a just, durable, and mutually acceptable solution. This stance is consistent with Security Council resolutions since 2007, including Resolution 2797 from October 2025. The resolution places the Moroccan autonomy plan at the center of discussions.
The liquidation of MINURSO marks the end of a long-standing UN presence in Western Sahara. The mission's dissolution removes the last vestige of the referendum option. The UN's continued engagement aims to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- The UN Secretary-General confirms the end of MINURSO operations.
- The liquidation process includes the transfer of equipment and personnel.
- The UN focuses on a negotiated political solution within the autonomy framework under Moroccan sovereignty.
