US-Russia Standoff Ends 35-Year UN Peacekeeping in Western Sahara, Morocco Celebrates

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara has come to an end after 35 years, following a deadlock between the United States and Russia at the UN Security Council. The mission, known as MINURSO, was established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and organize a referendum on the territory's future. The impasse stems from disagreements over the mission's mandate, with Russia blocking a US-drafted resolution that would have expanded MINURSO's role to include human rights monitoring. Morocco, which controls most of Western Sahara, has welcomed the mission's end, viewing it as a step toward international recognition of its sovereignty over the disputed territory. The Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara, has condemned the development, warning of renewed conflict. The end of MINURSO leaves a significant gap in monitoring and raises concerns about stability in the region. Without UN oversight, the long-frozen conflict could reignite, with implications for regional security and the Sahrawi people's quest for self-determination.