Largest city in Western Sahara, de jure capital of SADR, under Moroccan administration
The UN has ended its 35-year MINURSO peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate following rival US and Russian drafts. The UN has started a liquidation phase repatriating personnel, closing facilities and removing assets. Morocco has welcomed the decision; the Polisario Front and Algeria have expressed regret and concern.
The Authenticity and Modernity Party has won the most seats in Morocco's parliamentary election, but no party has an outright majority. PAM will need to form a coalition to govern while turnout remains historically low. The king will appoint the prime minister from the largest party. Youth discontent and calls for better public services persist as the country prepares for the 2030 World Cup.
The UN’s MINURSO mission has ended after 35 years, while new diplomatic developments move Western Sahara toward sovereignty for Morocco. The end leaves a fragile ceasefire uncertain and deepens divides between Morocco and Polisario Front, with families separated by the berm watching for the next move.