UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years
The 35-year UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara will end after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate, the UN chief said on Sunday. Morocco, which claims the Western Sahara as its own, welcomed the decision, while its opponents in the Algeria-backed Polisario Front expressed concern. The Polisario Front has sought an independent state […]
After 35 years, the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara will come to an end, according to UN chief Antonio Guterres. The Security Council did not renew the mandate for the mission, known as MINURSO, which was established in 1991 following a UN-brokered ceasefire. Morocco, which claims the Western Sahara as its own, welcomed the decision, while its opponents in Algeria-backed Polisario Front expressed concern.
The Polisario Front has been seeking an independent state in Western Sahara since Spain's departure from the region in 1976. The mission was tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and organizing a referendum, which has never taken place due to disagreements over voter eligibility. Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita stated that the mission's reference to a referendum was an "anachronism".
The non-renewal of the mandate is seen as a significant development towards withdrawing the Western Sahara issue from the Security Council's consideration.
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