UN warns of security risks in Western Sahara as peacekeeping mission ends
The United Nations has officially ended its 35-year peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over potential security escalations in the disputed territory.
Why it matters
The withdrawal of UN forces creates a power vacuum in a long-standing territorial dispute, raising risks of renewed conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
The mission, known as MINURSO, has been in place in the disputed region since a ceasefire in 1991.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info An Indonesian UN peacekeeper prepares to enter a UN vehicle on the Moroccan side of the border crossing point between Morocco and Mauritania in Guerguerat, Western Sahara [File: Fadel Senna/AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff , AFP and Reuters Published On 1 Nov 2026 1 Nov 2026 United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of potential escalation of hostilities in the disputed Western Sahara region after the expiry of a 35-year-long peacekeeping mission .
“The Secretary-General said he remains concerned about the security situation throughout the territory and the risk of hostilities escalating,” his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement on Sunday.
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