United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed former Special Representative for Western Sahara Alexander Ivanko to oversee the liquidation of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). This move follows the expiration of MINURSO's mandate on October 31, after the UN Security Council failed to agree on its renewal. Ivanko will lead a team that will carry out all activities related to ending the mission's presence in the territory.
The liquidation process includes the withdrawal of military observers from the mission's team sites and the removal or disposal of UN-owned equipment and assets. The team will operate under the guidance and support of the UN Department of Operational Support. MINURSO had around 200 civilian staff, military observers, and staff officers from more than 35 countries. Its presence included a headquarters in Laayoune, nine team sites across the territory, and a liaison office in Tindouf, Algeria.
The UN Security Council established MINURSO in 1991 following an agreement between Morocco and the Polisario Front on a settlement plan intended to end the conflict over Western Sahara. The mission was initially tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and organizing a referendum on the territory's future. However, MINURSO never fulfilled its original mandate to organize a referendum on self-determination due to disagreements over voter eligibility and the absence of agreement on the referendum's framework.
The failure to renew MINURSO's mandate has brought an end to its 35-year presence in Western Sahara. The UN continues to support efforts to reach a political settlement to the Western Sahara dispute. King Mohammed VI has called for a new phase in Morocco's approach to the Western Sahara dispute, setting three priorities: protecting Morocco's territorial integrity and national security, ensuring the safety of residents in the southern provinces, and continuing development projects in the region.
The withdrawal process includes the repatriation of approximately 160 military observers, the departure of around 180 civilian and affiliated personnel, and the closure of 13 facilities. UN officials have stressed the importance of completing the process in an orderly manner and have called on the parties to cooperate. Morocco's Interior Ministry's MINURSO Coordination Office will work with the UN to facilitate the mission's liquidation and withdrawal.
In October 2025, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2797, extending MINURSO's mandate until October 31, 2026. The resolution also supported negotiations based on Morocco's Autonomy Plan, describing genuine autonomy as a possible basis for a mutually acceptable political solution. The latest failure to renew the mandate has brought an end to MINURSO's operations.
The UN continues to support efforts to reach a political settlement to the Western Sahara dispute. The appointment of Alexander Ivanko to lead the liquidation process marks a significant step in the winding down of MINURSO's operations. The process is expected to be completed in an orderly manner, with cooperation from all parties involved.
Key points
- Alexander Ivanko appointed to oversee MINURSO liquidation
- MINURSO's mandate expired on October 31
- Liquidation process includes withdrawal of military observers and removal of UN equipment
