UN peacekeeping mandate in Western Sahara set to lapse
The US and Russia blocked each other’s proposals to renew the mission amid divisions over the territory’s right to self-determination.
The mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO, expires on Saturday after Russia and the United States blocked each other's attempts to extend the mission. Established in 1991, MINURSO currently has 359 civilian and military personnel in place. The conflict in Western Sahara has been ongoing for 50 years between Morocco and the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria.
The United States initially proposed to extend the mission by a year with a focus on Morocco's autonomy plan, while Russia suggested renewing the mandate under the same conditions. The US vetoed Russia's proposal, leading to the mission's termination. Morocco's Royal Cabinet welcomed the decision, signaling an end to the Security Council's involvement in the issue.
Algeria, on the other hand, expressed gratitude to Russia and other countries that did not support the US resolution, emphasizing its commitment to securing the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- UN peacekeeping mandate in Western Sahara set to lapse freemalaysiatoday.com
- Rival US and Russia resolutions on disputed Western Sahara are defeated in UN Security Council winnipegfreepress.com
