United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara Ends After Thirty-Five Years

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ceased operations on Sunday as its mandate expired following a diplomatic standoff at the United Nations Security Council, raising fears of renewed conflict.

The Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara had operated in the disputed territory since 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and prepare for a self-determination vote that never took place.

The thirty-five-year mission involved roughly two hundred civilian and military personnel and held a budget exceeding sixty-two million dollars for the current period.

The termination follows a failed vote on Friday where Russia vetoed a United States draft resolution intended to alter the mission and support Moroccan sovereignty.

A rival Russian resolution intended to extend the existing mandate failed to secure the necessary nine votes for adoption.

The deadlock left the force without an active mandate when its authorization lapsed at midnight on Saturday.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned of potential security risks across the region following the withdrawal.

“The Secretary-General said he remains concerned about the security situation throughout the territory and the risk of hostilities escalating,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the secretary-general.

Sunday marked the official beginning of a liquidation phase to oversee the transport of assets and disposal of equipment.

Morocco administers nearly all of the desert territory, which it claimed after Spain withdrew in 1975.

The pro-independence Polisario Front seeks to establish an independent state for the Indigenous Sahrawi people.

Morocco welcomed the end of the mission, calling the non-renewal a significant development.

Algeria and the Polisario Front expressed deep regret over the conclusion of the mandate.

The United Nations stated that it remains committed to pursuing a peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels.