UN Mission in Western Sahara Not Renewed Due to Russian Veto
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The United Nations Security Council did not renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) on 31st October 2023. This is the first time in the mission's history that its mandate has not been extended.
The decision came after Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, vetoed a draft resolution proposed by the United States. The draft resolution was aimed at renewing MINURSO's mandate, which was set to expire at the end of October.
Russia cited an “unilateral approach” as the reason for its veto. The veto was unexpected, as Russia had previously supported the mission's mandate renewal. The Russian ambassador to the UN stated that the draft resolution did not adequately address Russia's concerns about the situation in Western Sahara.
The United States, which drafted the resolution, expressed disappointment with the outcome. A spokesperson for the US mission to the UN stated that the US remains committed to supporting the people of Western Sahara and will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The Moroccan government also expressed its dismay at the failure to renew MINURSO's mandate. Morocco has been a key supporter of the mission, which has been in place since 1991. The Moroccan foreign ministry released a statement condemning the Russian veto and calling for the immediate renewal of the mission's mandate.
The Polisario Front, a movement seeking independence for Western Sahara, welcomed the Russian veto. A spokesperson for the Polisario Front stated that the veto was a victory for the Sahrawi people and a setback for Moroccan efforts to annex Western Sahara.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed regret over the failure to renew MINURSO's mandate. In a statement, he urged all parties to work together to find a solution that would allow the mission to continue its work in support of a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
With the mandate of MINURSO not renewed, the future of the mission and the peace process in Western Sahara remains uncertain. The UN Security Council will need to address the situation and find a way forward.
