UN warns of security risks in Western Sahara as peacekeeping mission ends

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of a risk of escalating hostilities in Western Sahara after the peacekeeping mission ended when the Security Council failed to renew its mandate. He urged all parties to show maximum restraint and avoid actions that could heighten tensions or undermine regional stability. The liquidation phase of MINURSO, established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and prepare a referendum, began on November 1, with its assets being returned to troop-contributing countries. Morocco claims the territory, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks independence for the Sahrawi Republic.