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UN’s peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years following US-Russia standoff

The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) ceased operations on Sunday, 1 November 2026, following a standoff between the US and Russia. A US-drafted Security Council resolution was vetoed by the Russian Federation, leading to the mission's expiration. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated the UN remains committed to a political solution providing for the self-determination of the people. A small team from the UN Department of Operational Support is now managing the liquidation period, overseeing the disposal of equipment and the return of assets to troop-contributing nations.

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⚡ Key Developments & Real-Time Context
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  • ✓ The UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ended on 1 November 2026 after 35 years.
  • ✓ The Russian Federation vetoed a US-drafted UN Security Council resolution regarding Western Sahara.
  • ✓ Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the departure of MINURSO does not abrogate the people's inalienable right to self-determination.
  • ✓ Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary general, confirmed 1 November 2026 marks the start of the liquidation period.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 12 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

MINURSO officially began its liquidation period on 1 November 2026 following a Russian veto of a US-drafted resolution.

Live updates

  1. UN Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara Ends After 35 Years

    The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) ceased operations on Sunday, 1 November 2026, following a standoff between the US and Russia. A US-drafted Security Council resolution was vetoed by the Russian Federation, leading to the mission's expiration. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated the UN remains committed to a political solution providing for the self-determination of the people. A small team from the UN Department of Operational Support is now managing the liquidation period, overseeing the disposal of equipment and the return of assets to troop-contributing nations.

    Why it matters

    Western Sahara is a mineral-rich desert territory on Africa's northwestern Atlantic coast, formerly ruled by Spain. The region is claimed by both Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front. The sudden end of the 35-year mission raises concerns regarding regional stability.

    What is confirmed

    • The UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ended on 1 November 2026 after 35 years.
    • The Russian Federation vetoed a US-drafted UN Security Council resolution regarding Western Sahara.
    • Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the departure of MINURSO does not abrogate the people's inalienable right to self-determination.
    • Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary general, confirmed 1 November 2026 marks the start of the liquidation period.
    • A team from the UN Department of Operational Support will oversee the transportation of assets to troop-contributing countries and the disposal of UN equipment.

    What to watch next

    • Actions taken by Morocco and the Polisario Front following the mission's exit
    • Further diplomatic negotiations between the US and Russia regarding the territory's future
    Sources used for this update (11)
    1. news.un.org — UN News | Global perspective Human stories
    2. United States Mission to the United Nations (.gov) — Statement on a U.S.-Drafted UN Security Council Resolution on the Western Sahara Vetoed by the Russian Federation
    3. dw.com — UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara to expire amid US, Russia vetoes
    4. Al Jazeera — Why is Morocco celebrating the defeat of a UN resolution on Western Sahara?
    5. UN News — Western Sahara: UN ‘stands ready’ to keep supporting peace efforts as MINURSO mission ends
    6. AP News — UN’s peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years following US-Russia standoff
    7. Reuters — UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years, UN chief says
    8. abcnews.com — UN’s peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 ...
    9. peacekeeping.un.org — Western Sahara: UN ‘stands ready’ to keep supporting peace efforts as MINURSO mission ends
    10. www.independent.co.uk — UN’s peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 ...
    11. baytobaynews.com — UN’s peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 ...
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