PROVINCE REPORT
ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has officially completed its 35-year mandate after the Security Council did not renew its mandate, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirming that the end of the mission does not end the rights of the Sahrawi people. In a formal statement issued by his Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General said:”MINURSO was established in particular to allow the people of Western Sahara to realize their inalienable right to self-determination. The departure of MINURSO does not abrogate these inalienable rights.” Tribute to 35 Years of Service:The Secretary-General recognized the central role of MINURSO since its establishment in 1991 in monitoring the ceasefire and creating conditions conducive to a political solution.He expressed deepest gratitude to MINURSO personnel, including Special Representative Alexander Ivanko, who led the Mission during a particularly challenging period after resumption of hostilities in 2020. He paid tribute to the 20 MINURSO personnel who lost their lives during the 35 years of deployment. Liquidation Begins:According to the statement, 1 November 2026 marks the start of the liquidation period. A smaller team reporting to the UN Department of Operational Support will oversee orderly transportation of assets of troop-contributing countries and disposal of UN equipment. The Secretary-General called for full cooperation of the parties to complete the process swiftly. Core Message: Right to Self-Determination Remains:In a strong emphasis on international law, Guterres underscored:”MINURSO was established to protect and serve the people of Western Sahara. The departure of MINURSO does not abrogate these inalienable rights and calls upon all parties to respect and promote the rights of the people of Western Sahara.” He reaffirmed UN commitment to support the parties to reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. Concern Over Security:The Secretary-General expressed concern about the security situation throughout the Territory and risk of escalation. He called on all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could increase tensions or undermine regional stability.While peacekeeping operations have concluded, the UN will continue efforts through the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura, to advance dialogue and pursue a peaceful resolution. Context: The statement is seen as a crucial legal and political safeguard for the Sahrawi people at a time when MINURSO — the UN’s referendum mission — leaves the territory after 35 years. The UN chief’s repeated use of the phrase “inalienable right to self-determination” is being hailed by legal experts as reaffirmation that Western Sahara remains a decolonization issue on the UN agenda, irrespective of the mission’s closure.
