Western Sahara: UN Peacekeeping Mission to End After 35 Years

The United Nations' 35-year-old peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO, is winding down after the UN Security Council failed to renew its mandate. Established in 1991 to monitor the ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front, the mission was also tasked with organising a referendum on the disputed territory's future. The development brings renewed attention to Western Sahara's unresolved political status and its strategic location along the Atlantic coast of Northwest Africa.

Western Sahara
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Western Sahara Latest News

Recently, the UN chief said that the 35-year-old UN peacekeeping mission in the Western Sahara region (MINURSO) will come to an end after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate.

About Western Sahara

  • Western Sahara is a vast, sparsely-populated desert region in Northwest Africa.
  • It is part of the Maghreb region of North and West Africa.
  • Bordering Countries: It shares its land borders with Morocco and Algeria to the north and northeast respectively, and Mauritania to the east and south.
  • Water Body: It also has a long coast with the Atlantic Ocean in the West and Northwest.
  • It is a region rich in phosphates and other minerals and has a lucrative fishing industry on its Atlantic coast.

United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)

  • It was established in 1991 to support the settlement proposals and ceasefire reached by Morocco and Frente Polisario. 
  • Since the establishment of the Mission, MINURSO headquarters has been located in Laayoune, the main city in Western Sahara. 
  • Focus: It contributes to peace and stability in Western Sahara by monitoring, investigating and reporting on the ongoing situation, and working with the parties to reduce tensions as they arise.

Source: Reuters

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Western Sahara FAQs

Q1. Western Sahara shares border with which countries?+

Q2. Which mineral is abundantly found in Western Sahara?+

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