UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara expires after Russia and US veto clash
MINURSO, the UN mission in Western Sahara, expires Saturday after Russia and the US blocked renewal.
The UN mission in Western Sahara ends Saturday. Russia and the United States blocked different renewal proposals at the Security Council.
The US wanted a one-year extension backing Morocco's self-rule plan as the only basis for talks. Russia vetoed that, saying it went too far toward Morocco.
The US then blocked Russia's counter-proposal. MINURSO has been renewed regularly for decades.
It employs 155 military staff at a cost of about $88 million a year. Morocco controls most of the territory.
The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, seeks independence. Oxfam warned that losing the mission could leave refugees at risk.
- 155 military
- Mission staff
- 88 million dollars
- Annual cost
- Saturday
- Expiration date
- Morocco
- Territory controller
Why it mattersA failed UN mission weakens world peace efforts and leaves a long-standing dispute without supervision.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, though Australia backs the UN system and supports stability in international conflicts.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
