The United Nations warned on Monday about the growing danger of renewed hostilities in Western Sahara. The concern follows the formal end of the UN peacekeeping mission in the territory.
"The Secretary-General remains concerned about the security situation throughout the Territory and the risk of escalation of hostilities," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters.
Dujarric urged all groups involved to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that might increase tensions or undermine regional stability.
The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO, ceased operations after the UN Security Council failed to extend its mandate beyond October 31.
A reduced team operating under the UN Department of Operational Support started a liquidation phase to repatriate equipment belonging to troop-contributing countries and oversee the disposal of UN-owned assets.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the departure of peacekeepers does not diminish the inalienable right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
Guterres paid tribute to Special Representative Alexander Ivanko and honored 20 personnel who lost their lives during the mission.
MINURSO was established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front. Political negotiations will continue under the auspices of the UN chief’s personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura.
The closure of the mission follows a Russian veto on a Friday of a US-drafted resolution aimed at renewing the mandate, though 11 council members voted in favour and three abstained.
Western Sahara is a central issue in North African diplomacy. Morocco proposes broad autonomy for the territory under its sovereignty, while the Polisario Front seeks a referendum on self-determination, a position backed by Algeria.
The dispute over the territory dates back to 1975 when Spain ended its colonial rule, an exit that escalated into an armed conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front lasting until the 1991 ceasefire.
