The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara officially ended on Sunday, 1 November, after 35 years of operations, raising concerns about the future security of the disputed territory.
The Associated Press reported that the mission ended following disagreements between the United States and Russia at the UN Security Council.
Russia vetoed a US-backed proposal that supported Morocco’s claim to sovereignty over Western Sahara. Meanwhile, a Russian proposal to extend the mission failed to secure enough votes, leaving the UN operation without a renewed mandate.
Morocco welcomed the end of the mission, while the Polisario Front and Algeria condemned the decision.
The UN mission was established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and prepare for a referendum on self-determination in Western Sahara. However, disagreements between Morocco and the Polisario Front over the conditions for holding the referendum prevented it from taking place.
The United Nations has warned of the risk of rising tensions in the region and urged all parties involved to exercise restraint.
