UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 08:58 · Archive

The United Nations' 35-year peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara has ceased operations after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate.

The United Nations' 35-year peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ceased operations on Sunday after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate. The mission, established in 1991, was tasked with overseeing a cease-fire between Morocco and an independence movement and organising a referendum on whether Western Sahara should become independent or integrate with Morocco. Although hostilities continue and the referendum was never held, disagreements between the United States and Russia led to the mission's end.

Russia vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution to extend the mission for another year, whilst a competing Russian proposal failed to secure enough votes. The U.S. resolution received 11 votes in favour, one against and three abstentions. The Russian resolution received three votes in favour from China, Somalia and Russia, one against from the United States, and 11 abstentions. Russia accused the United States of siding with Morocco, whilst the United States accused Russia of obstructing progress toward a political settlement.

The U.N. Secretary-General remains concerned about the security situation throughout the territory. A small team will oversee the return of assets from countries that committed peacekeeping troops and the disposal of U.N.-owned equipment.

How it is being reported

• UN brings 35-year Western Sahara peacekeeping mission to a closeThe Western Sahara, claimed by Morocco, welcomed the decision, while opponents in the Algeria-backed Polisario Front expressed concernIndependent World · 2 Nov, 12:37
• U.N.'s 35-year Western Sahara mission ends over U.S.-Russia riftThe United Nations' 35-year peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ended over the weekend after the U.N. Security Council failed to renew its mandate.UPI · 2 Nov, 08:37
• UN's peacekeeping mission in disputed Western Sahara ends after 35 yearsThe U.N.'s long-running peacekeeping mission for the disputed Western Sahara ceased operations Sunday after 35 years. Once ruled by Spain, it is claimed by both Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front.NPR · 2 Nov, 07:19

In this story: Western Sahara · Morocco · Polisario Front · United Nations · United States · Russia · Spain

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