UN begins winding down its Western Sahara mission after its mandate lapses

The UN confirmed on Sunday “the start of the liquidation period” of MINURSO, whose mandate expired Saturday without being renewed.

Personnel in June

359 people

MINURSO had 359 civilian and military personnel in June. A reduced team will now oversee the return of troop contributors' property and the disposal of UN-owned equipment, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.

Secretary-General António Guterres urged respect for the rights of the people of Western Sahara, including self-determination, and voiced concern about a risk of escalating hostilities. He called on the parties to show the utmost restraint.

What's next

The UN says it remains ready to support dialogue and a peaceful settlement through the Secretary-General's personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura.