Politics
UN ends MINURSO peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara after mandate lapses
November 1, 2026 at 08:55 AM
The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has ended operations after the Security Council failed to extend its mandate.
- MINURSO concluded its operations Sunday after the Security Council declined to renew its 35-year mandate.
- The Council voted Friday on rival US and Russian draft resolutions to extend the mandate; Russia vetoed the US text, and the Russian draft fell short of enough votes.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres thanked the mission's staff, honoring the 20 members who died over the mission's 35 years.
- Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the Russian veto created a new reality and affirmed Rabat's commitment to the ceasefire while giving MINURSO time to wind down.