UN warns of security risks in Western Sahara as peacekeeping mission ends
The MINURSO peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara has ended following the UN Security Council's failure to renew its mandate. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN peacekeeping chief warned that the withdrawal of Blue Helmets creates a dangerous security vacuum and risks escalating hostilities. While the UN remains committed to a political solution for the self-determination of the region's people, the Security Council remains divided on a replacement for the mission. Morocco is reportedly celebrating the defeat of the resolution.
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- ✓ The MINURSO peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ended after 35 years.
- ✓ The mission had been active in the disputed region since a 1991 ceasefire.
- ✓ The UN Security Council failed to renew the mission's mandate.
- ✓ Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a potential escalation of hostilities.
What changed
The UN Security Council failed to renew the MINURSO mandate, leading to the mission's official end on Sunday.
Live updates
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UN Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara Ends After 35 Years
The MINURSO peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara has ended following the UN Security Council's failure to renew its mandate. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN peacekeeping chief warned that the withdrawal of Blue Helmets creates a dangerous security vacuum and risks escalating hostilities. While the UN remains committed to a political solution for the self-determination of the region's people, the Security Council remains divided on a replacement for the mission. Morocco is reportedly celebrating the defeat of the resolution.
Why it matters
MINURSO has operated in the disputed territory since a 1991 ceasefire. The mission's termination follows a standoff between the US and Russia, with rival resolutions from both nations being defeated.
What is confirmed
- The MINURSO peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ended after 35 years.
- The mission had been active in the disputed region since a 1991 ceasefire.
- The UN Security Council failed to renew the mission's mandate.
- Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a potential escalation of hostilities.
- Rival US and Russia resolutions on Western Sahara were defeated in the Security Council.
Still unconfirmed
- Morocco is celebrating the defeat of the UN resolution.
What to watch next
- Security Council decisions regarding a replacement for the peacekeeping mission.
- Reports of hostilities or security breaches in the region following the withdrawal.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (15)
- news.un.org — UN News | Global perspective Human stories
- www.gbcghanaonline.com — Nurse killed and health worker injured in DR Congo Ebola attack
- AP News — Rival US and Russia resolutions on disputed Western Sahara are defeated in UN Security Council
- Al Jazeera — Why is Morocco celebrating the defeat of a UN resolution on Western Sahara?
- UN News — Western Sahara: UN ‘stands ready’ to keep supporting peace efforts as MINURSO mission ends
- Reuters — UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years, UN chief says
- Al Jazeera — UN warns of security risks in Western Sahara as peacekeeping mission ends
- NPR — UN's peacekeeping mission in disputed Western Sahara ends after 35 years
- barbadosgazette.com — UN warns of security risks in Western Sahara as peacekeeping mission ends | Barbados Gazette – Barbados & Caribbean News
- foreignpolicy.com — U.N. Peacekeepers Are Leaving Western Sahara. What Does That Mean?
- www.aljazeera.com — UN warns of security risks in Western Sahara as peacekeeping ...
- news.un.org — UN peacekeeping chief warns of ‘security vacuum’ as Blue ...
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