Western Sahara: UN ‘stands ready’ to keep supporting peace efforts as MINURSO mission ends

Key Points:

• The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) ended its mandate after the Security Council failed to agree on its renewal, with the US draft vetoed by Russia and Russia's alternative proposal not gaining enough support.
• Despite MINURSO's departure, the UN emphasized that the people of Western Sahara retain their inalienable right to self-determination and called on all parties to respect these rights.
• Secretary-General António Guterres praised MINURSO's 35 years of service, including monitoring the ceasefire and facilitating political dialogue, and expressed concern about the security situation and potential escalation of hostilities.
• The UN will continue efforts for a peaceful resolution through the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, while a smaller UN team will oversee the orderly withdrawal and disposal of mission equipment.
• The Security Council remains divided on the conflict, with Morocco proposing autonomy under its sovereignty and the original referendum on independence or integration never having taken place.