The United Nations ended its 35-year peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara on Sunday after the Security Council failed to extend its mandate. The move followed a veto by Russia of a U.S.-drafted resolution and the defeat of a competing Russian proposal.

The mission, known as MINURSO, was established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front and to organize a referendum on self-determination. That referendum never occurred due to disputes over voter eligibility. The force had monitored the truce and conducted mine action in the disputed territory claimed by both sides.

The mandate expired at midnight on October 31. On October 30, Russia blocked a U.S. resolution that would have endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan under its sovereignty as the most feasible solution. A Russian resolution to extend the mission without those changes received only three votes and failed. The impasse left no extension in place.

Morocco welcomed the outcome. Its royal palace described the non-renewal as a significant step that removes an instrument for internationalizing the dispute. The Polisario Front expressed concern over the development.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres noted the mission's role in ceasefire monitoring and urged restraint to avoid escalation. A smaller team will now handle the liquidation of assets, returning equipment to troop-contributing countries and disposing of U.N. property. The organization said it remains ready to support dialogue through its personal envoy.

Western Sahara has been on the U.N. list of non-self-governing territories since Spain's withdrawal in 1976. Morocco administers most of the area and has promoted economic development there. The end of MINURSO shifts focus to bilateral and regional efforts rather than indefinite U.N. presence.

The episode highlights divisions in the Security Council that have prevented resolution of long-standing conflicts. Morocco's position has gained support from several governments in recent years, while the Polisario continues to seek independence with backing from Algeria.