UN Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara Ends After 35 Years

The 35-year-old UN peacekeeping mission (MINURSO) in the Western Sahara region has concluded after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that November 1 marked the start of the mission's "liquidation phase." Morocco welcomed the decision, while the Polisario Front expressed concern. Russia had vetoed a US-backed resolution to renew the mission.