The United Nations has announced the start of a liquidation period for its referendum mission in Western Sahara, MINURSO, after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate. The move has raised concerns about a potential escalation of hostilities in the region. According to a UN statement, a small team from the Operational Support Department will oversee the organized transfer of assets to contributing countries and the disposal of UN equipment.
The UN mission in Western Sahara was established in 1991 and had 359 personnel, both civilian and military, until June 2026. The mission's mandate expired on Saturday, after Russia vetoed a US-drafted resolution to extend it. The resolution had the support of 11 out of 15 Security Council members. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has expressed concern about the risk of escalating hostilities and called on parties to exercise maximum restraint.
Guterres also urged respect and promotion of the rights of the Sahrawi people, particularly their inalienable right to self-determination. The UN remains committed to supporting efforts to promote dialogue and a peaceful settlement to the conflict through his personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura. The Western Sahara conflict has been ongoing for five decades, with Morocco controlling most of the territory and the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, fighting for independence.
The Moroccan autonomy plan, presented in 2007, proposes granting autonomy to the Sahrawi region under Moroccan sovereignty. However, Russia vetoed the US-drafted resolution, citing a one-sided approach, and proposed extending the mission's mandate under the same conditions as before. The US voted against the Russian proposal, while other countries abstained.
Western Sahara was a Spanish colony until 1975 and is classified by the UN as a non-self-governing territory. The region is rich in phosphates and marine resources. The liquidation of the UN mission has raised concerns about the impact on the region's stability and the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.
The UN's decision to liquidate its mission has been met with disappointment from those who support the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. The UK parliament has recently expressed its support for the Sahrawi people's right to freedom and self-determination. The situation in Western Sahara remains a concern for the international community, with many calling for a peaceful and negotiated solution.
The UN's role in Western Sahara has been critical in maintaining a fragile peace in the region. The liquidation of its mission has raised concerns about the potential for increased violence and instability. The international community will be watching closely as the situation develops, with many hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- The UN has started liquidating its mission in Western Sahara after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate.
- The move has raised concerns about a potential escalation of hostilities in the region.
- The UN remains committed to supporting efforts to promote dialogue and a peaceful settlement to the conflict.
