The United Nations on Sunday began winding down its peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara after the Security Council failed to agree on a mandate extension. The mission, known as MINURSO, has operated in the territory since 1991 to help monitor a ceasefire and pursue a political solution.
The end of the mission follows a Friday vote where Russia vetoed a United States resolution, and a rival Russian proposal failed to gain enough support. The mandate officially expired at midnight on Saturday. A liquidation period began on Sunday, with a smaller team overseeing the return of troop assets and the disposal of equipment.
Secretary-General António Guterres said the United Nations remains committed to finding a peaceful political solution for the self-determination of the people in Western Sahara, according to a statement delivered by his spokesperson. The United Nations will continue its work through Staffan de Mistura, the secretary-general’s personal envoy. Guterres called for cooperation from all parties to complete the orderly withdrawal and urged restraint to prevent hostilities from escalating.
During the Friday council meeting, the United States delegate said the American draft resolution would have supported self-determination and moved the conflict forward. The Russian delegate said the American text would have imposed one-sided solutions. Russia’s alternative proposed extending the mandate until Oct. 31, 2027, but it did not secure the nine votes required for adoption by the 15-nation body.
Before its mandate ended, the mission had about 200 civilian and military staff from over 35 countries, headquartered in Laayoune. Guterres expressed gratitude to the mission’s personnel and paid tribute to the 20 staff members who died during the 35 years the mission operated in the territory.