MINURSO: UN Begins Liquidation Process, With 160 Military Observers Set to Leave

The United Nations has officially entered the dismantling phase of its MINURSO mission, setting in motion a comprehensive withdrawal process involving military observers, civilian personnel and operational infrastructure. The operation follows the expiration of the mission’s mandate on October 31, 2026, after the UN Security Council failed to reach an agreement on its renewal.

The process marks the beginning of the administrative and logistical closure of a United Nations presence that has lasted 35 years. Among the main measures are the repatriation of approximately 160 military observers, the departure of around 180 civilian and associated personnel, and the closure of 13 facilities previously operated by the mission.

UN Establishes a Framework for the Withdrawal

Speaking during Monday's press briefing, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric outlined the arrangements governing the liquidation process. A small team from the Department of Operational Support, working alongside officials at UN headquarters, will coordinate the different stages of the operation.

Its responsibilities will include supervising the closure of facilities, ensuring that premises are properly handed back and overseeing the transfer or disposal of equipment owned by the international organization.

Dujarric emphasized that the process would be implemented gradually, in accordance with established UN administrative procedures and the regulations governing the termination of peacekeeping operations.

Environmental considerations will also form part of the process, particularly when restoring or returning the sites previously used by the mission.

Personnel, Equipment and Administrative Structures Affected

The withdrawal extends well beyond the departure of uniformed personnel. Approximately 180 civilian employees and associated workers will also be affected by the closure, requiring coordinated arrangements for their departure and the completion of outstanding administrative matters.

The 13 facilities under MINURSO's responsibility will undergo a progressive closure process. Meanwhile, the mission's vehicles, equipment and other UN-owned assets will be assessed for transfer, redistribution or disposal under the organization's internal rules.

The dismantling will also involve the gradual reduction of communications networks and logistical support systems. Administrative teams will be responsible for securing archives, processing official records and settling contractual obligations involving local service providers.

These measures are intended to ensure that the mission's activities are formally concluded while preserving the institutional and financial records required by the United Nations.

UN Promises Continued Oversight During the Transition

Despite the reduction in operational activities, the United Nations intends to maintain administrative, financial and security supervision throughout the liquidation period.

Dujarric stressed that appropriate arrangements would remain in place to protect the interests of the organization and safeguard the security and well-being of personnel involved in the withdrawal.

Secretary-General António Guterres is also counting on the cooperation of all concerned parties to facilitate the process and prevent unnecessary delays.

The orderly management of personnel departures, equipment transfers and the closure of local agreements will be essential to completing the operation in accordance with UN regulations.

A 35-Year UN Presence Comes to an End

The liquidation follows the developments of October 30, when the Security Council failed to adopt either of two competing draft resolutions concerning the mission's future. Consequently, MINURSO's mandate expired at midnight on October 31, bringing its operational activities to an end.

Established in 1991, the mission had played a role in monitoring the ceasefire and supporting international efforts to reach a political settlement. Its departure therefore represents a significant change in the United Nations' operational presence in the region.

Morocco welcomed the outcome through a statement issued by the Royal Cabinet, describing it as an important development in the evolution of the diplomatic process. The statement also indicated that the departure of the mission's personnel, vehicles and equipment would follow in the coming days.

The announcement coincided with the celebration of Unity Day, giving the development additional significance in Morocco's national and diplomatic context.

Morocco Reaffirms Its Position on Stability and the Political Process

Following the end of the mission's mandate, Rabat reiterated its commitment to maintaining the ceasefire and pursuing a political solution through its autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty.

The Moroccan position emphasizes the continuation of diplomatic engagement and the pursuit of a lasting settlement, while maintaining regional security and stability.

However, the termination of MINURSO's operational mandate does not, in itself, resolve the wider political dispute. The United Nations has indicated that its commitment to supporting a peaceful political settlement remains in place, including through the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy.

The coming weeks will therefore focus on the practical implementation of the withdrawal, including personnel repatriation, the return of facilities and the settlement of administrative and logistical obligations.

With the liquidation process now underway, the United Nations is moving from the end of MINURSO's operational mandate to the formal closure of its structures, marking the conclusion of a 35-year chapter in its peacekeeping presence.