The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO, will come to an end after 35 years of operation. The mission was established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and prepare for a referendum on the future of the territory. However, the referendum has never taken place due to disagreements over who is eligible to vote. The mission's mandate was set to expire, and the UN Security Council failed to renew it.
The decision to end the mission was welcomed by Morocco, which claims sovereignty over Western Sahara. The Moroccan government sees the move as a positive step towards resolving the conflict. In contrast, the Polisario Front, a separatist group backed by Algeria, expressed concern over the decision. The Polisario Front has been fighting for independence for Western Sahara since 1976.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, announced that the mission's closure will begin on November 1. The process will involve the return of equipment and assets to the countries that contributed troops. The decision to end the mission comes after the US proposed a resolution to the UN Security Council, which was adopted last year. The resolution supported Morocco's plan for autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.
Russia, which had previously abstained from voting on the issue, used its veto power to block a subsequent resolution that would have extended the mission's mandate. The failure to renew the mission's mandate has led to its conclusion. The MINURSO mission has been responsible for monitoring the ceasefire and preparing for a referendum on the future of Western Sahara.
The Moroccan government has welcomed the decision, with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita stating that the reference to a referendum in the mission's mandate was outdated. He added that Morocco had been informed that Russia would veto the US resolution, but saw this as an opportunity to review some of the rules and procedures related to the conflict.
The Algerian government expressed disappointment over the decision, accusing the US of bias towards Morocco. The Algerian Foreign Ministry stated that the US had taken an excessive stance in support of Morocco's position. The conclusion of the MINURSO mission marks a significant development in the conflict over Western Sahara.
The future of Western Sahara remains uncertain, with Morocco claiming sovereignty over the territory and the Polisario Front pushing for independence. The UN's decision to end the peacekeeping mission has raised concerns about the stability of the region. The situation remains complex, with multiple parties involved and no clear resolution in sight.
Key points
- The UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, MINURSO, will conclude after 35 years of operation due to the failure of the UN Security Council to renew its mandate.
- Morocco has welcomed the decision, while the Polisario Front and Algeria have expressed concern.
- The future of Western Sahara remains uncertain, with Morocco claiming sovereignty and the Polisario Front pushing for independence.
