MINURSO Liquidation: UN Estimates Two Months for Full Withdrawal

14:05

The United Nations has entered a new phase following the end of the operational mandate of the United Nations Mission (MINURSO), with the complete withdrawal of its personnel and equipment expected to take approximately two months. However, the departure is raising questions about how developments on the ground will be monitored in the absence of an alternative UN mechanism.

Speaking at a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Wednesday, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, confirmed that MINURSO had ceased its operational activities at midnight on October 31, 2026.

The mission is now focused exclusively on completing its withdrawal and closing its field operations. Lacroix made clear that no alternative UN structure has been established to assume the monitoring responsibilities previously carried out by the mission.

No Replacement for the Existing Monitoring Arrangements

One of the most significant aspects of the announcement concerns the absence of a mechanism to verify compliance with the ceasefire. Asked who would assume this responsibility following MINURSO's departure, Lacroix confirmed that no verification mechanism currently exists.

This development marks a major institutional change, as the mission had played a monitoring role since its establishment in 1991. Its withdrawal leaves an important operational gap, particularly regarding the independent observation of developments on the ground.

The absence of a replacement arrangement also raises questions about how future incidents will be assessed and how relevant information will be collected and communicated internationally.

Withdrawal Process Could Last Around Two Months

The dismantling operation involves more than the departure of UN personnel. It also requires the evacuation of facilities, the repatriation of equipment belonging to troop-contributing countries and decisions concerning assets owned by the United Nations.

The withdrawal will include installations located east of the sand berm, making logistical coordination an important component of the operation.

The UN Department of Operational Support is responsible for overseeing the liquidation process and ensuring that personnel and equipment are handled appropriately.

Lacroix estimated that completing the operation could take approximately two months. However, he stressed that this timeframe remains indicative rather than definitive, as the actual duration will depend on logistical arrangements, progress on the ground and other operational constraints.

Security and Diplomatic Implications

The end of MINURSO's mandate follows the failure of the UN Security Council to adopt competing draft resolutions on October 30, 2026. The resulting institutional deadlock prevented the continuation of the mission's previous mandate.

For Morocco, the development represents a significant turning point in a process that has shaped international diplomacy for 35 years. Moroccan authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining the ceasefire and safeguarding national security.

King Mohammed VI also chaired a working session on November 4 to examine the next phase following the end of the mission's mandate. The meeting addressed the Kingdom's priorities and the coordination arrangements required to accompany the UN withdrawal process.

Despite the operational closure of MINURSO, the broader diplomatic challenge remains unresolved. The absence of a UN monitoring mechanism places renewed importance on political engagement, restraint and cooperation among the parties concerned.

The coming weeks will therefore be crucial in determining how the withdrawal is completed and how stability can be maintained during a period of significant institutional change.