United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara

Posten der Frente Polisario 2

طونوبيلات د المينورسو فالعيون

MINURSO HQ, El Aaiun, WS

United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) is a United Nations peacekeeping mission established by the United Nations Security Council in 1991 with the aim of overseeing the ceasefire in the Western Sahara conflict and organizing a referendum to determine the territory's future. The mission was created following the ceasefire agreement between Morocco, which claims Western Sahara as part of its sovereign territory, and the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region.

Background

Western Sahara, a territory in North Africa, has been the subject of a dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front since Spain, the colonial power, withdrew in 1975. The conflict led to a war that lasted until 1991, when the United Nations intervened to establish a ceasefire and prepare for a referendum to decide the territory's status. However, disagreements over voter eligibility have prevented the referendum from taking place.

Mission

The main objectives of MINURSO include monitoring the ceasefire, reducing the threat of landmines through demining operations, and preparing for the referendum on the territory's future. The mission operates under the authority of the United Nations Security Council, which regularly reviews and extends its mandate.

Components

MINURSO comprises military observers, a civilian component, and a police contingent. The military observers are responsible for monitoring the ceasefire lines and reporting any violations. The civilian component works on administrative tasks and supports the preparation for the referendum, while the police contingent focuses on maintaining law and order.

Challenges

The mission has faced several challenges, including restrictions on its movements imposed by Morocco, the presence of landmines, and political deadlock over the referendum. The differing views of Morocco and the Polisario Front on voter eligibility and the status of the territory have made it difficult to progress towards the referendum.

Current Status

As of the last update, MINURSO continues to operate in Western Sahara, with its mandate regularly extended by the United Nations Security Council. The mission remains a crucial element in the international community's efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, although the path to a referendum and a final settlement remains uncertain.

See Also

• United Nations Security Council
• Western Sahara
• Morocco
• Polisario Front
• Ceasefire