From BBC News · · 2m
Morocco Celebrates UN Mission End in Western Sahara
Morocco marks UN peacekeeping mission's end after Security Council deadlock over Western Sahara's future.
In brief
Morocco marks UN peacekeeping mission's end after Security Council deadlock over Western Sahara's future. Morocco celebrates UN mission's end as it pushes for autonomy plan, claiming the UN's failure to resolve Western Sahara dispute gives it leverage to negotiate. Originally reported by BBC News.
UN Mission Ends After Council Deadlock
Morocco welcomed the end of UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara after US and Russia failed to agree on its future mandate.
Security Council Vetoed Renewal Proposals
Russia vetoed a US-backed proposal to extend Minurso's mandate, and a rival Russian draft also failed to secure enough votes.
Western Sahara Dispute Background
Western Sahara was a Spanish colony until 1975 with phosphate reserves and fishing grounds, claimed by Morocco and Mauritania after Spain withdrew.
Green March and Madrid Accords
Morocco's Green March in 1975 saw 350,000 civilians enter Western Sahara, leading to Spain signing Madrid Accords with Morocco and Mauritania.
Polisario Front's Stance
The Polisario Front, an independence movement founded in 1973, opposed the Madrid Accords and has fought for Western Sahara's independence for over 50 years.
UN Mission's Role
After 1991 ceasefire, UN established Minurso to monitor the ceasefire and organize a referendum on Western Sahara's future.
Referendum Failure
The referendum scheduled for 1992 never took place due to disputes over voter identification and eligibility.
Autonomy Proposal
Morocco proposed autonomy in 2007, allowing Sahrawis to manage internal affairs while Morocco retained control over defense and foreign relations.
Polisario Rejection
The Polisario Front and Algeria rejected Morocco's autonomy proposal, insisting on a referendum that included independence as an option.
2025 UN Resolution
In 2025, UN Security Council voted to back Morocco's autonomy plan as the 'most feasible' solution for Western Sahara.
Morocco's Celebration
Morocco celebrated the mission's end with footage of people waving Moroccan flags and displaying portraits of King Mohammed VI.
Expert Analysis
Moroccan expert Issam Laaroussi said the decision gives Morocco more room to push its autonomy proposal and shift negotiations toward autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
International Support
Morocco gained support from at least 10 African countries and the US recognized its sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020.
Potential for Renewed Conflict
Morocco's exit from UN mission could lead to renewed fighting, with Algeria and other countries increasing military spending over Western Sahara.
The one thing
Morocco celebrates UN mission's end as it pushes for autonomy plan, claiming the UN's failure to resolve Western Sahara dispute gives it leverage to negotiate.
