The United Nations has initiated the liquidation of its peacekeeping operation in Morocco's southern provinces in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO. This process began on November 1, 2026, as announced by UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. The liquidation comes after Russia vetoed a US-drafted resolution that sought to renew MINURSO's mandate. The UN Secretary-General expressed gratitude to MINURSO personnel, including its Special Representative, Alexander Ivanko.
During the liquidation period, a smaller team will oversee the transportation of assets belonging to troop-contributing countries and the disposal of UN equipment. The UN Secretary-General called on all parties to cooperate fully to ensure an orderly liquidation process. This development follows Russia's veto on a resolution that aimed to rename MINURSO to MINUSO, reflecting growing momentum behind Morocco's Autonomy Plan for resolving the Western Sahara dispute.
The proposed renaming of MINURSO aimed to remove the letter "R," which refers to a referendum, an outdated narrative used by Algeria and the Polisario to challenge Morocco's territorial integrity. The Polisario has been involved in repeated hostilities, including a blockade in Guerguerat in 2020 and attacks on civilians in Smara. These actions have raised concerns about the security situation in the region.
The UN Secretary-General expressed concerns about the security situation in Western Sahara amid the Polisario's repeated hostilities. The group has targeted civilians in Morocco's southern provinces, and there are growing calls for the US to designate the Polisario as a terrorist group. US Congressional bills have highlighted the Polisario's hostilities and its collusion with Iranian proxy Hezbollah.
Despite the liquidation of MINURSO, Morocco has reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire. Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita stated that Morocco remains committed to respecting its commitments, including the ceasefire, which is a political and legal obligation. The ceasefire is essential for maintaining stability in the region.
The UN remains committed to supporting parties in reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution for Western Sahara. The UN-led political process has emphasized that Morocco's Autonomy Plan could provide a form of self-determination under its sovereignty. More than 135 countries support the Moroccan proposal, describing it as a feasible solution.
The liquidation of MINURSO marks a significant development in the Western Sahara dispute. The UN's commitment to finding a peaceful solution remains unwavering. Morocco's Autonomy Plan has gained significant international support, and the country continues to emphasize its commitment to the ceasefire and stability in the region.
Key points
- The UN has begun liquidating MINURSO in Western Sahara after Russia vetoed a resolution to renew its mandate.
- Morocco has reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire despite the liquidation of MINURSO.
- The UN remains committed to finding a peaceful solution to the Western Sahara dispute.
