The United States vetoed a Russian draft resolution on Western Sahara at the UN Security Council on Friday, October 30, 2026. The Russian resolution sought to extend the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for another year, until October 31, 2027, without changing its name or mandate. Only three members voted in favor of Russia's resolution, while the US voted against, and 11 members abstained.
The US representative to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, strongly criticized Russia's position, warning against maintaining the status quo in Western Sahara and the continued displacement of Sahrawi refugees. Waltz emphasized that the adoption of Resolution 2797 in October 2025 had established Morocco's Autonomy Proposal as the basis for negotiations and called for a strategic review of MINURSO's future mandate.
Waltz expressed concern about the prolonged displacement of Sahrawi refugees, stating that it has been 50 years, an entire lifetime, and that their children were born, grew up, and are now raising children as refugees. He stressed that the US supports the principle of self-determination but criticized some council members for using their veto to preserve the letter 'R' for the referendum, which the UN has not been preparing to hold for decades.
Other Council members that opposed Russia's alternative draft expressed regret over the failure to advance the resolution and reiterated their support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a basis for reaching a mutually acceptable political solution. The UK, France, and allies also blasted Russia's veto, warning of a setback in Western Sahara talks.
Following the US veto, representative Waltz said the US draft was a good faith attempt to shift the mandate from a mission that has not delivered its original purpose in 35 years, making the peacekeeping mission fit for purpose. He noted that the mission's own website acknowledges that its referendum preparations ended more than 20 years ago.
The Moroccan Royal Cabinet stated that the non-renewal of MINURSO's mandate means the mission's presence should end. Morocco's ambassador to the UN, Omar Hilale, addressed Algeria, questioning under what right they are lecturing the Security Council.
The US veto and Russia's previous veto of a US-sponsored proposal on Western Sahara have significant implications for the region. The situation in Western Sahara remains unresolved, with the Sahrawi people continuing to face displacement and uncertainty.
Key points
- The US vetoed a Russian draft resolution on Western Sahara at the UN Security Council.
- The Russian resolution sought to extend the mandate of MINURSO without changing its name or mandate.
- The US supports Morocco's Autonomy Proposal as a basis for negotiations.
