The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)

Context: The mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) expired on October 31, 2026, after reciprocal vetoes by Russia and the United States blocked competing draft resolutions at the UN Security Council.

About The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO):

What it is?

• A specialized United Nations peacekeeping and monitoring mission established to oversee the 1991 ceasefire between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front, and to facilitate a self-determination referendum for the people of Western Sahara.

History of MINURSO:

• Establishment (1991): Established on 29 April 1991 under UNSC Resolution 690, MINURSO aimed to implement the settlement proposals accepted by Morocco and the Polisario Front after years of conflict.
• Referendum Impasse: Disagreements over voter eligibility and identification procedures repeatedly delayed the proposed self-determination referendum, leaving MINURSO primarily responsible for monitoring the ceasefire.
• Hostility Resumption (2020): Following the Guerguerat crisis, the Polisario Front declared the ceasefire ended and resumed limited hostilities, while MINURSO continued its monitoring activities.

Aim: To monitor hostilities, prevent military escalation, support UN-led negotiations and facilitate a lasting political settlement in Western Sahara consistent with self-determination.

Key Functions of MINURSO:

• Ceasefire Observation & Patrols: Deploys military observers across nine team sites on both sides of the Moroccan berm to monitor troop movements, investigate violations and reduce military tensions.
• Mine Action & Explosive Ordnance Disposal: Supports UNMAS-led mine clearance and unexploded ordnance disposal, protecting local communities, nomadic populations and peacekeeping personnel in conflict-affected areas.
• Support to the UN Special Envoy: Provides administrative, logistical and operational assistance for UN-mediated negotiations involving Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria and Mauritania.
• Cross-Border Liaison & Coordination: Operates from Laayoune headquarters and Tindouf liaison office, coordinating with conflict parties, Algerian authorities and humanitarian agencies assisting Sahrawi refugees.
• Confidence-Building & Humanitarian Monitoring: Facilitates family reunification, communication and humanitarian coordination between Sahrawi refugees and communities across Western Sahara, supporting trust-building efforts.

Process of Renewal:

• The United States, as Security Council penholder, prepares draft resolutions after consulting the Group of Friends of Western Sahara and other Council members.
• The UN Secretary-General submits periodic assessments of security conditions, ceasefire violations, humanitarian concerns and political developments to inform mandate-renewal decisions.
• Renewal requires at least nine affirmative Security Council votes and no veto by any permanent member: US, UK, France, Russia or China.