Western Sahara: UN ‘stands ready’ to keep supporting peace efforts as MINURSO mission ends
The UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, MINURSO, has officially ended after the Security Council failed to reach an agreement on its future. Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed the UN's commitment to a peaceful resolution and the right to self-determination for the people of the region.
Why it matters
The end of a 35-year peacekeeping mission creates a power vacuum and uncertainty regarding the long-standing territorial dispute in Western Sahara.
The UN remains committed to supporting a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution in Western Sahara that provides for the self-determination of its people, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Sunday , as the UN peacekeeping mission there began to wind down.
The departure of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara ( MINURSO ) “does not abrogate” the people’s “inalienable right to self-determination”, his statement said, delivered by his Spokesperson.
It called on all parties “to respect and promote the rights of the people of Western Sahara.”
The mission’s mandate expired at midnight on Saturday, after the Security Council failed on Friday to agree on its future .
A draft resolution from the United States was vetoed by Russia, while a rival Russian text failed to win the nine votes needed for adoption.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara Ends After Thirty-Five Years
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