The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, known as Minurso, has officially ceased to exist after 35 years of operations. The mission was deployed in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and prepare a self-determination referendum in the disputed territory.
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, remains contested between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which is supported by Algeria. Minurso ended unexpectedly on November 1 after diplomatic efforts at the UN Security Council reached an impasse the previous day.
A US-backed resolution sought to establish Morocco’s autonomy plan as the “sole basis for a settlement” of the dispute, but Russia vetoed the proposal. The United States then vetoed a Russian text that would have simply extended the mission’s mandate.
With no agreement, Minurso’s mandate expired, clearing the way for the definitive dismantling of the UN force. The development has raised concerns about a possible resumption of hostilities along the sand wall separating Sahrawi fighters from Moroccan forces, amid diplomatic tensions and an arms race between Morocco and Algeria.
Sources: Le Monde International.