Published on: 2026-11-01
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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November 1, 2026 Peace and Security
The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) is ending its peacekeeping activities after the Security Council on Friday failed to extend its mandate. This was stated in a statement issued on November 1 on behalf of the UN Secretary-General.
The important role of the mission
In the document, Antonio Guterres noted the important role of the mission established in 1991. It helped monitor compliance with the ceasefire regime and created conditions for seeking a political solution.
The Secretary-General thanked the mission staff, including the Special Representative for Western Sahara, Alexander Ivanko, who led operations during the especially challenging period following the resumption of hostilities in 2020. He also paid tribute to the 20 staff members who lost their lives during the 35 years of the mission’s work.
Liquidation period
The liquidation period begins on November 1. A small group led by the UN Department of Operational Support will systematically remove the property of the countries that provided troops and manage the Organization’s equipment. The Secretary-General has called on the parties for full cooperation to complete this process as soon as possible.
He emphasized that the withdrawal of the mission does not negate the inherent right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination. Guterres called on all parties to respect and facilitate the realization of this right.
Security situation
The Secretary-General expressed concern about the security situation throughout the territory and the risk of escalation of hostilities. He called on all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could increase tension or undermine stability in the region.
Further dialogue
The UN is ready to continue supporting dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution through the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura. Guterres once again reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to seeking a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
UN Mission
The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara was established by Security Council resolution 690 in accordance with the settlement proposals adopted on August 30, 1988, by Morocco and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Río de Oro (POLISARIO Front).
The settlement plan, approved by the Security Council, provided for a transitional period to prepare a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara were to choose between independence and integration with Morocco.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General was to bear full responsibility for matters related to the referendum, receiving assistance in addressing the tasks before him from a comprehensive group of civilian and military personnel and civilian police staff called the “United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.”
Draft resolutions of Russia and the USA
On Friday, the UN Security Council failed to agree on a one-year extension of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara due to disagreements between Russia and the United States. The American draft, supported by France, the United Kingdom, and nine non-permanent members of the Council, proposed removing any mention of the referendum from the mission’s name and recognizing autonomy under Moroccan administration as the sole basis for negotiations.
Russia called this approach one-sided and blocked the draft, proposing to extend the mandate without changes. The Russian draft was supported by only two countries, 11 abstained, and the United States voted against.
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