The U.N. Security Council failed to renew its peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara
The U.N. Security Council failed Friday to renew its Western Sahara peacekeeping mission, MINURSO, for the first time in 35 years. Russia vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution proposing an extension through Oct. 31, 2027; a Russian-drafted alternative then failed, receiving three votes in favor, one against and 11 abstentions. The mandate expires Saturday, risking heightened tensions, Bloomberg said.
More context
The U.N. Security Council failed Friday to renew its peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, MINURSO, for the first time in its 35-year history. Russia vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution that would have extended the mandate until Oct. 31, 2027, renamed the mission MINUSO and made Morocco’s autonomy proposal the sole basis for negotiations. The council then rejected a Russian-drafted one-year extension in a 3-1 vote, with 11 abstentions; the measure fell short of the nine votes needed. MINURSO’s mandate expires Saturday, ending its operations. The mission was established to monitor a 1991 ceasefire and help prepare a referendum on Western Sahara’s future. Morocco’s Royal Court said the 35-year chapter had closed and argued the dispute should be removed from the Security Council’s agenda. Bloomberg reported the failure could heighten tensions between Morocco and Sahrawi rebels.
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Verifier’s note
Bloomberg directly reports that the UN failed to renew the mission’s mandate for the first time in 35 years. Türkiye Today reports Morocco’s response to the failed renewal, and ClickOrlando reports that the Security Council’s votes left the mission’s mandate set to expire.