UN Ends 35-Year MINURSO Mission in Western Sahara After Russia Blocks Renewal
Updated
Updated · UN News · Nov 2
UN Ends 35-Year MINURSO Mission in Western Sahara After Russia Blocks Renewal
3 articles · Updated · UN News · Nov 2
Summary
Midnight on Saturday ended MINURSO’s mandate, and the UN began winding down the Western Sahara mission while saying the territory’s right to self-determination remains unchanged.
Friday’s Security Council split triggered the shutdown: Russia vetoed a US draft, and Moscow’s rival text to extend the mission until Oct. 31, 2027 failed to win the nine votes needed.
About 200 civilian and military personnel from more than 35 countries had been deployed across Laayoune, nine team sites and a Tindouf liaison office; a smaller UN team will now handle liquidation and equipment disposal.
António Guterres said the UN will keep pursuing a political solution through envoy Staffan de Mistura, while urging maximum restraint after hostilities resumed in 2020 and warning against further escalation.