United Nations Begins Preparations to Withdraw Peacekeeping Mission from Western Sahara After Security Council Deadlock

The United Nations has initiated preparations to withdraw its peacekeeping mission, MINURSO, from Western Sahara. This decision follows a deadlock in the UN Security Council, where Russia and the United States vetoed each other's proposals to extend the mission's 35-year mandate. The disagreement arose from a US proposal to renew the mandate while prioritizing Morocco's autonomy plan, which Russia rejected, arguing it favored Morocco's position and could prejudge sovereignty issues. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about potential renewed fighting and urged restraint.