UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years as Security Council deadlocks

At a Security Council vote on Friday, Russia vetoed a U.S. draft resolution that won 11 votes in favour with 3 abstentions, and a rival Russian draft that would have extended the mission until October 31, 2027 won only 3 votes, the UN said. The U.S. delegate said renewing mandates that have not worked "decade after decade" was not something Washington could support, according to the UN's meeting record.

The UN said a liquidation period began on November 1, with a smaller team overseeing the removal of equipment. Secretary-General António Guterres said the mission's departure "does not abrogate" the Western Sahara people's right to self-determination, and that his personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura, will keep working toward a political solution.

Why it matters: MINURSO was set up in 1991 to prepare a referendum on independence or integration with Morocco that never took place. The territory is claimed by Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front, and AP reported that the mission's end raises concerns about stability in the region.