western sahara

A UN patrol team, deployed for monitoring ceasefire, drives through the Smara area of Western Sahara. (file)
UN Photo/Martine Perret

Guterres ‘remains committed’ to maintaining 1991 ceasefire in Western Sahara

13 November 2020
Peace and Security

The UN chief has expressed “grave concern” at the possible consequences which could arise from an operation reportedly launched by the Moroccan Government on the southern border of Western Sahara, in response to a reported highway blockade by supporters of the pro-independence Frente POLISARIO.

Peacekeepers have been stationed in Western Sahara since 1991 when the UN mission, MINURSO, was established. (file)
UN Photo/Martine Perret

Western Sahara: a 'peaceful solution’ to conflict is possible, says UN envoy

6 December 2018
Peace and Security

The first UN-led talks in six years over the disputed Western Sahara-region concluded on a positive note on Thursday in Geneva, where the Organization’s representative Horst Köhler said that further discussions are planned “in the first quarter of 2019”.

Peacekeepers with the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) consult a map as they drive through vast desert areas in Smara, Western Sahara.
UN Photo/Martine Perret

First Western Sahara talks at UN in six years, begin in Geneva

5 December 2018
Peace and Security

Talks have begun at the UN on the future of Western Sahara – the first in years – the Organization announced on Wednesday.

A MINURSO ceasefire monitoring team drives through the Smara region in Western Sahara.
UN Photo/Martine Perret

Security Council extends mandate of UN peace mission in Western Sahara by six months

31 October 2018
Peace and Security

The United Nations Security Council, on Wednesday, extended the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), until 30 April next year.

A Military Liaison Officer of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), looks through binoculars during a ceasefire monitoring patrol in Oum Dreyga, Western Sahara (June 2010).
UN Photo/Martine Perret

Security Council renews UN mission in Western Sahara

27 April 2018
Peace and Security

The Security Council on Friday extended the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara until 31 October 2018, calling for a “realistic, practicable and enduring” political solution to end the decades‑old conflict.

Peacekeepers with the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) consult a map as they drive through vast desert areas in Smara, Western Sahara.
UN Photo/Martine Perret

Western Sahara: UN chief urges easing of tensions in Guerguerat area

6 January 2018
Peace and Security

Deeply concerned over rising tensions near Guerguerat in the buffer strip in southern Western Sahara between the Moroccan berm and the Mauritanian border, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday called for maximum restraint in the area.

Horst Köhler, newly-appointed Personal Envoy for Western Sahara (file).
UN Photo/Mark Garten

Guterres appoints former German President Köhler as his Western Sahara envoy

16 August 2017
Peace and Security

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Horst Köhler, former President of Germany, as his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara.

A MINURSO ceasefire monitoring team drives through the Smara region in Western Sahara.
UN Photo/Martine Perret

Western Sahara: UN welcomes withdrawal of Polisario Front from Guerguerat area

28 April 2017
Peace and Security

The United Nations today welcomed the withdrawal of all Polisario Front elements from the Guerguerat area, between the berm and the border with Mauritania, as confirmed by observers of the UN Mission on Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, on 27-28 April.

A Military Liaison Officer of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), looks through binoculars during a ceasefire monitoring patrol in Oum Dreyga, Western Sahara (June 2010).
UN Photo/Martine Perret

Western Sahara: UN chief urges Morocco and Polisario Front to de-escalate tensions in buffer strip

25 February 2017
Peace and Security

Deeply concerned about increased tensions in the vicinity of Guerguerat in the buffer strip in southern Western Sahara between the Moroccan berm and the Mauritanian border, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today called on Morocco and Frente Polisario to “take all necessary steps” to avoid escalation.

Refugees from Western Sahara hold up large portraits outside the Smara refugee camp near Tindouf, Algeria.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Western Saharan refugees face looming food shortage, UN agencies warn in appeal for donor support

2 November 2016
Humanitarian Aid

Three United Nations agencies operating in Algeria appealed today for continued donor support for refugees from Western Sahara, warning that insufficient funding makes imminent a cut in basic food rations.