UN’s peacekeeping mission in disputed Western Sahara ends after 35 years
Summary
The UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ended on November 1, 2026, after the Security Council did not renew its mandate. Russia vetoed a U.S. draft resolution supporting Morocco’s sovereignty claim, and a separate Russian proposal to extend the mission was voted down.Key Facts
- The UN established MINURSO in 1991 alongside a cease-fire and a plan for a referendum on self-determination.
- A smaller UN team will oversee the return of troop-contributing countries’ assets and the disposal of UN equipment.
- Morocco welcomed the mission’s non-renewal, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front called it unacceptable.
- Algeria said it regretted the decision and criticized what it described as bias in the U.S. draft resolution.
- Morocco administers nearly all of Western Sahara; the Polisario Front seeks independence for the territory.
- The UN classifies Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory.
- Morocco annexed Western Sahara in 1975, and the ensuing armed conflict lasted more than 15 years.
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