By Ahmed Abdelsalam
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO, has entered a liquidation phase and begun vacating positions and disposing of equipment after its mandate expired following a U.S.-Russia standoff at the Security Council last week.
Security Council Standoff Leads to Mandate Expiry
A deadlock between the United States and Russia at the Security Council prevented the renewal of MINURSO's mandate, forcing the mission's abrupt end after 35 years. The mission was established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front and to organize a referendum on self-determination that never took place.
Mission History and Ceasefire Collapse
The ceasefire collapsed in 2020, and the region has since experienced tensions and low-intensity hostilities. During the mission's tenure, 20 U.N. personnel lost their lives. The force was authorized to have 534 personnel, with a 2026-2027 budget exceeding $62 million. The top military contributors were Egypt, Ghana, and Pakistan.
Liquidation Details and Personnel Drawdown
U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix said the department overseeing peacekeeping operations aims to ensure an orderly retreat with the full cooperation of all parties. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric outlined that the liquidation includes the repatriation of approximately 160 military observers, the drawdown of 180 civilians and affiliated personnel, and the closure of about 13 mission facilities and team sites.
Reactions from Morocco and Polisario
Morocco's royal palace welcomed the mission's end, stating it had failed to monitor the ceasefire. The Polisario Front and Algeria regretted the decision not to renew the mandate. In Laayoune, the territory's capital, U.N. and Moroccan flags continued to fly side by side on Thursday, with no visible indication of an imminent departure.
Analyst Warns of Escalation Risk
Analyst Hamish Kinnear said MINURSO peacekeepers helped keep a lid on escalation and that their on-the-ground presence meant a stronger international stake in maintaining peace. He predicted the withdrawal gives Morocco a freer hand against the Polisario and that Sahrawis will increasingly call for alternative strategies.
