The United Nations began the process of closing its MINURSO mission on November 1, 2026, after the Security Council did not renew its mandate, ending 35 years of peacekeeping operations while Western Sahara’s political status remained unresolved.
The mandate expired at midnight on October 31. This followed a deadlock at the Security Council. Russia vetoed a proposal drafted by the United States.
A competing Russian draft did not get enough votes. MINURSO was established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire. It was also tasked with helping prepare a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara could choose between independence and joining Morocco.
That referendum never took place. Disagreements over the territory’s future remain unresolved. A smaller team reporting to the UN Department of Operational Support will manage the liquidation period.
The team will arrange for troop-contributing countries’ assets to be returned and for UN equipment to be disposed of. Secretary-General António Guterres said the mission’s departure does not affect the people’s right to decide their future. The UN will continue diplomatic efforts through his personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura.
He also expressed concern about security and the risk that tensions could rise again. He urged all parties to cooperate with the mission’s closure and act carefully. Morocco welcomed the mission’s non-renewal.
The Polisario Front and Algeria expressed concern.