MINURSO, the UN mission in Western Sahara, began winding down on Nov. 1 after its mandate expired without a Security Council agreement to renew it, ending 35 years of operations in the disputed territory.
The Security Council could not agree on Oct. 30. Russia vetoed a U.S.-drafted extension that received 11 votes in favor. A rival Russian proposal failed to get enough support.
MINURSO was established in 1991. It monitored a ceasefire. It was also assigned to prepare a vote on Western Sahara’s future.
The vote never took place amid disagreement over how to decide who could take part. At the end of its mandate, the mission had about 200 civilian and military personnel. It also had nine sites for its teams and a liaison office in Tindouf.
The UN says a smaller team will oversee the process of closing down the mission. This will include returning property belonging to countries that supplied troops. It will also include disposing of UN equipment.
The mission’s departure leaves Morocco and the Polisario Front at odds. Morocco claims the territory, and the Polisario Front seeks independence. Morocco welcomed the decision not to renew the mandate.
The Polisario expressed concern. The UN says its envoy, Staffan de Mistura, will keep working toward a political agreement. Secretary-General António Guterres has urged restraint amid concern that fighting could intensify.