MINURSO, a UN force in Western Sahara, ended its mandate amid renewed tensions after a veto dispute and stalled renewal.
The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara has expired after a Russian veto blocked renewal, leaving Western Sahara’s peace process in limbo. The United States had proposed extending MINURSO and renaming it while endorsing autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty; Russia opposed the move, proposing a renewal without changes. Morocco welcomes the non-renewal and calls for the issue to be removed from the Security Council’s agenda. The Polisario Front warns the failure jeopardizes civilians and the peace process.
The UN Mission in Western Sahara has not been renewed, prompting concerns about regional stability. Morocco pursues sovereignty, while the Polisario Front seeks independence; the dispute remains unresolved since 1991, with no referendum on self-determination.