UN Ends Western Sahara Peacekeeping Mission
The United Nations ended MINURSO, its Western Sahara peacekeeping mission, after 35 years. The mission has entered liquidation, with about 160 military observers being repatriated and 13 facilities and team sites being closed.
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The United Nations said MINURSO, its Western Sahara peacekeeping mission, ceased operations Sunday after 35 years in the territory once ruled by Spain and claimed by Morocco and the Polisario Front. The UN will repatriate about 160 military observers and close 13 facilities and team sites as it winds down the mission.
Morocco welcomed the end after a diplomatic showdown between the US and Russia left the Security Council unable to agree on the mission's future. The council failed to renew the mandate after Russia vetoed a US-backed proposal and a rival Russian draft failed to secure enough votes. MINURSO, established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front, has entered a liquidation phase, beginning to repatriate personnel, close facilities and dispose of equipment, raising questions over security in the disputed territory.
Latest updates
3 updates · newest first- 5 NovNew development
UN Western Sahara mission enters liquidation after mandate expires
The UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara has entered a liquidation phase, beginning to repatriate personnel, close facilities and dispose of equipment after its mandate expired. The end of MINURSO, established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front, follows a US and Russia standoff at the Security Council and raises questions over security in the disputed territory.
ABC News ↗
- 3 NovOfficial statement
Morocco celebrates end of UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara
Morocco welcomed the end of a decades-long UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara after a diplomatic showdown between the US and Russia left the Security Council unable to agree on its future. The council failed to renew the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara after Russia vetoed a US-backed proposal, and a rival Russian draft also failed to secure enough votes. The decision raises questions about the future of Africa's longest territorial dispute and the fragile ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
BBC News ↗
- 2 NovNew development
UN ends Western Sahara peacekeeping mission after 35 years
The United Nations said its Western Sahara peacekeeping mission, MINURSO, ceased operations Sunday after 35 years in the territory once ruled by Spain and claimed by Morocco and the Polisario Front. The UN will repatriate about 160 military observers and close 13 facilities and team sites as it winds down the mission. The move ends the UN's long mission in the disputed territory.
UN News ↗
NPR ↗