UN Ends Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara Amid US-Russia Dispute

CASABLANCA, Morocco — The United Nations’ peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara concluded its operations on Sunday after 35 years due to a U.S.-Russia standoff at the UN headquarters over the territory’s fate.

Rich in minerals and fisheries, Western Sahara is a vast desert region approximately the size of Colorado along Africa’s northwestern Atlantic coast. Previously ruled by Spain, the territory is claimed by both Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated, “This 1 November 2026 marks the start of the liquidation period.” A reduced UN team will oversee the transportation of assets belonging to troop-contributing nations and the disposal of United Nations equipment.

The peacekeeping mission, established in 1991, has faced numerous extensions. Recently, Russia vetoed a draft U.S. resolution supporting Morocco’s demand for sovereignty, intended to terminate the mission in 2027. A rival Russian proposal to extend the mission was also rejected, resulting in its abrupt cessation.

The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, condemned the decision as unacceptable.

Western Sahara remains Africa’s longest territorial dispute. Classified by the UN as a non-self-governing territory, critics view Morocco’s control as Africa’s last colonial holdout. While Morocco administers most of the territory, a small area known as the “free zone” remains outside its control and lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Morocco’s annexation in 1975 escalated into an armed conflict persisting for over 15 years, claiming more than 16,000 lives, according to the French Senate.

Morocco seeks full sovereignty over the region, which it labels as its southern provinces. Despite international opposition, Rabat has secured support from Western countries, including the U.S., France, and the UK.

The Polisario Front, aiming to establish an independent Sahrawi Republic, continues to operate from Tindouf refugee camps in Algeria. Mainly supported by Algeria, Russia, and South Africa, its international backing has declined in recent years.

MINURSO, the UN mission, was designed to implement a referendum on self-determination, including independence. However, the vote did not take place due to disagreements over voter eligibility.

The UN Secretary-General urges all parties to respect and advance the rights of Western Sahara’s people, noting concerns about the territory’s security and potential escalation of hostilities. The Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes, leading to continuing tensions and low-intensity hostilities.

Western Sahara serves as a focal point in the Morocco-Algeria rivalry. Algeria, supporting and hosting the Polisario Front, views Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory as a diplomatic setback. Tensions between the two nations rose with their severed relations in 2021, and the mission’s end threatens further conflict.