UN's peacekeeping mission in disputed Western Sahara ends after 35 years
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara has ended after 35 years following a diplomatic standoff between the U.S. and Russia. The closure of the mission raises concerns about regional stability in the disputed territory claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front.
Why it matters
The collapse of this long-standing mission reflects growing geopolitical tensions at the UN Security Council and threatens the status quo in a volatile region.
CASABLANCA, Morocco — The U.N.'s long-running peacekeeping mission for the disputed Western Sahara ceased operations Sunday after 35 years, as a result of a U.S.-Russia standoff at U.N. headquarters over the territory's future.
The end of the mission raises concerns about stability in the region. Rich in minerals and fisheries, Western Sahara is a vast desert territory roughly the size of Colorado along Africa's northwestern Atlantic coast. Once ruled by Spain, it is claimed by both Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front.
"This 1 November 2026 marks the start of the liquidation period," Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. secretary general, said in a statement. "A smaller team reporting to the United Nations' Department of Operational Support will oversee the orderly transportation of assets belonging to troop-contributing countries to their respective nations, and the appropriate disposal of equipment belonging to the United Nations.''
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