MINURSO operations ended November 1, 2026, after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate.
Why it matters: MINURSO monitored implementation of the 1991 settlement plan for Western Sahara, including a proposed referendum on independence or integration with Morocco. Its peacekeeping operations have ended, while a smaller UN team remains to liquidate the mission and manage its assets.
- MINURSO's mandate expired at midnight after October 31, 2026, and peacekeeping operations ceased on November 1.
- The US draft received 11 votes in favor and was vetoed by Russia on October 31, 2026.
- The Russian draft received three votes in favor, 11 against and one abstention, failing to obtain the required support.
- A residual UN team will oversee liquidation, including returning military assets to troop-contributing countries and disposing of UN equipment.
The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, or MINURSO, ceased peacekeeping operations on November 1, 2026, after its mandate expired at midnight following October 31. The Security Council failed to renew the mandate after Russia vetoed a US draft. A smaller administrative team remains for the liquidation phase, which includes returning military assets to troop-contributing countries and disposing of UN equipment. The UN said it remains ready to support peace efforts and that the secretary-general urged maximum restraint.
The Council established MINURSO in 1991 under Resolution 690 to support a settlement plan envisioning a referendum on independence or integration with Morocco. The vote never took place because Morocco and the Polisario Front disagreed over voter eligibility and the terms of self-determination. The Council record describes the mandate's expiration without renewal.
The United States proposed extending the mission through October 31, 2027, while renaming it the United Nations Mission in Western Sahara and removing “Referendum” from its title. The draft received 11 votes in favor and was vetoed by Russia. A Russian renewal draft received three votes in favor, 11 against and one abstention, and failed to obtain the required support. Security Council Report reviewed the competing proposals and votes.
Morocco called the non-renewal a significant step toward closing the issue at the UN and said it remained committed to the 1991 ceasefire and autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. Algeria said the US draft weakened the UN settlement framework and was excessively biased toward Morocco. Morocco's statement and Algeria's response set out the opposing positions.
By the numbers
- November 1, 2026 - MINURSO peacekeeping operations ceased
- 11 votes - US renewal draft's support before Russia's veto on October 31, 2026
- 3-11-1 - Russian draft's vote: three in favor, 11 against and one abstention
Yes, but: The mission's closure ends its peacekeeping operations, but a residual UN team will remain during liquidation. The UN said it remains ready to support peace efforts.
What's next: The residual UN team will oversee liquidation, including the return of military assets to troop-contributing countries and the disposal of UN equipment.