UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years following US-Russia standoff

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara concluded after 35 years on Sunday, following a lack of renewal by the Security Council. UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced the end of the operation, leading to the immediate unwinding of activities in the disputed territory. Stéphane Dujarric, a UN spokesperson, confirmed the transition period and the orderly transportation of assets from contributing countries to their respective nations.

This marks the first time the region has been without international observers since the early post-colonial era. The termination resulted from a breakdown in negotiations between the United States and Russia at the UN headquarters in New York. The stalemate occurred a year after the Security Council approved a US-drafted resolution supporting Moroccan autonomy for the territory as the optimal solution.

Tensions escalated when Russia vetoed a subsequent US-backed resolution to integrate Morocco's plan while reducing the peacekeeping force. The Security Council's inability to adopt a competing Russian proposal left the mission without authorization to continue. Divergent reactions from regional capitals reflected the deep geopolitical divisions surrounding the territory.

Morocco welcomed the outcome, viewing it as a significant step toward withdrawing the issue from the Security Council. The Moroccan government characterized the mission as an "instrument to internationalize the dispute." Conversely, opponents of Moroccan control expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, with Algeria's Foreign Ministry expressing "deep regret" and the Polisario Front calling the outcome "an unacceptable decision."

Western Sahara remains one of the world's longest-standing territorial disputes, with the UN classifying it as a "non-self-governing territory." The conflict began following Spain's withdrawal in 1976 and Morocco's subsequent annexation. The ensuing war resulted in over 16,000 deaths, with Morocco now controlling the majority of the territory.

The Polisario Front seeks full independence for the Indigenous Sahrawi population, primarily operating from refugee camps in Algeria. Despite support from Algeria, Russia, and South Africa, the independence movement has faced waning international backing in recent years. The mission's history spans 35 years, with an authorized strength of up to 534 personnel and an operational budget exceeding $62 million. MINURSO personnel faced significant risks during its deployment, with 20 losing their lives.