UN warns of security risks as Western Sahara peacekeeping mission ends

The UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara has ended. Al Jazeera reports that the UN has warned of security risks in the territory as a result. Its report as provided here does not detail those risks.

NPR and France 24 report the mission stopped operating on Sunday, after 35 years. The Security Council did not renew its mandate. The mission, known as MINURSO, has been in place since a 1991 ceasefire. Al Jazeera says it was tasked with monitoring that truce and holding a referendum in the territory.

Al Jazeera reports the council rejected two competing resolutions, one from the United States and one from Russia, leaving no approved extension. Deutsche Welle's headline said the mandate would lapse amid vetoes by both countries.

Morocco claims the territory and welcomed the outcome, according to France 24. Al Jazeera ran a piece on why Morocco is celebrating the defeat of the resolution. The Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which is pro-independence, called the decision "unacceptable", France 24 reports. NPR notes the territory was once ruled by Spain and is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front.