The departure of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) “does not abrogate” the people’s “inalienable right to self-determination”, its spokesperson said in a statement.
He called on all parties “to respect and promote the rights of the people of Western Sahara”.
The mission’s mandate expired at midnight on Saturday, after the Security Council failed to agree on its future on Friday.
Russia vetoed a US draft resolution, while a rival Russian text failed to garner the nine votes needed for adoption.
Although MINURSO operations have now ended, the UN will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution through the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura.
Orderly withdrawal
Mr. Guterres acknowledged the “central role” that MINURSO has played since 1991 in helping to monitor the ceasefire and create the conditions necessary to find a political solution.
He expressed his “deepest gratitude” to the staff of the mission, in particular to the Special Representative for Western Sahara, Alexandre Ivanko. Mr. Ivanko led the mission through a “particularly difficult period” after the resumption of hostilities in 2020.
The UN chief also paid tribute to the 20 MINURSO personnel who lost their lives during the 35 years of mission in the territory.
At the end of its mandate, the mission had its headquarters in Laayoune, with nine operating bases – four west of the berm and five to the east – and a liaison office in Tindouf.
It had approximately 200 civilian employees, military observers and staff officers from more than 35 countries, as well as a dedicated mine action capability.
Sunday marks the start of a liquidation period. A smaller team, reporting to the UN Department of Operational Support, will oversee the disposal of UN equipment.
Mr. Guterres called for the full cooperation of the parties so that the process can be completed in an orderly manner as soon as possible.
“Maximum stress”
The Secretary-General expressed concern about the security situation throughout the territory and the risk of escalation of hostilities.
He urged all parties concerned “to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any action that could further increase tensions or undermine regional stability.”
Council divided
The U.S. delegate to the Council said Friday that his country’s plan would have supported the principle of self-determination and “advanced the 50-year conflict,” calling the status quo unacceptable.
Explaining the veto, the Russian delegate said the text would have imposed unilateral solutions, calling his vote a “saving veto, so to speak.”
The Russian alternative, a one-year extension of the mandate until October 31, 2027, failed to attract enough support from the 15 nations.
MINURSO was established pursuant to Council resolution 690 (1991), in accordance with the proposed settlements of the United Nations Organization of African Unity accepted in 1988 by Morocco and the Frente POLISARIO.
These provided for a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara would choose between independence and integration into Morocco. Although the referendum never took place, MINURSO continued to carry out the tasks assigned to it by the council.
In 2007, Morocco presented an autonomy proposal as a basis for negotiations. It envisages the territory as autonomous under Moroccan sovereignty.
In conclusion, the communiqué states that although MINURSO peacekeeping operations have ended, “the United Nations stands ready to continue supporting efforts to advance dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”
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