UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends on 1 November 2026
The United Nations mission MINURSO ceased operations on 1 Nov 2026 after the Security Council did not renew its mandate, following Russia’s veto of a U.S. draft resolution and the defeat of a competing Russian proposal to extend the force. Morocco’s royal palace welcomed the non‑renewal as a step toward removing the dispute from the Council, while the Algeria‑backed Polisario Front and Algeria’s foreign ministry called the decision unacceptable. The mission, established in 1991, had monitored a ceasefire and was meant to organise a long‑delayed referendum.
Key facts
- Stéphane Dujarric said a smaller team will manage the liquidation of assets starting 1 Nov 2026.
- The mission operated for 35 years, with multiple extensions since its 1991 launch.
- The Security Council vote on 30 Oct 2026 resulted in no renewal of MINURSO’s mandate.
- Russia’s veto blocked a U.S. draft that would have endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan under its sovereignty.
- The rival Russian resolution to keep the mission running was rejected by the Council.
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Why it matters
The end of MINURSO removes a long‑standing UN presence from a contested territory.
What changed
First published from Anadolu Agency, The Straits Times, DW, Al Jazeera English and Middle East Eye