The Russian Federation has vetoed a United States-drafted resolution on Western Sahara at the United Nations Security Council. The vote took place on Friday, October 30, 2026. According to reports, eleven members of the Security Council supported the US proposal. The resolution aimed to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).

The move by Russia has been seen as a significant development in the ongoing dispute over Western Sahara. The region has been a point of contention between Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, with the international community seeking a peaceful resolution. The veto by Russia has been met with mixed reactions from various countries and organizations.

The US resolution had garnered significant support from other Security Council members. However, Russia's veto has effectively blocked the proposal from being adopted. The Russian Federation has presented an alternative draft resolution, which is expected to be voted on in the coming days. The developments at the UN Security Council have significant implications for the future of Western Sahara.

The MINURSO mission has been operating in Western Sahara since 1991, with a mandate to facilitate a referendum on the region's future. The mission's mandate has been renewed several times, but the process has been complicated by disagreements between Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. The current developments have raised concerns about the potential impact on the region's stability.

Morocco has reacted positively to Russia's veto, with some officials expressing satisfaction at the development. However, others have expressed concerns about the implications of the veto for the region. The international community is closely watching the developments, with many calling for a peaceful and negotiated solution to the dispute.

The UN Security Council is expected to continue discussions on Western Sahara in the coming days. The Russian Federation's alternative draft resolution is likely to be a key point of discussion. The developments have significant implications for the region and the international community's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the dispute.

The situation in Western Sahara remains complex, with various countries and organizations holding different positions on the issue. The UN Security Council's decisions have significant implications for the region's future, and the international community is closely watching the developments. A peaceful and negotiated solution to the dispute remains a key priority for many countries and organizations.

Key points

  • Russia vetoes US resolution on Western Sahara at UN Security Council
  • Eleven Security Council members supported the US proposal
  • Russia presents alternative draft resolution on Western Sahara

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.