UN dismisses reports of changes to Sahara peacekeeping mission

 A United Nations source has denied media reports suggesting changes to the name or mandate of its peacekeeping mission in the Sahara, known as MINURSO, insisting it continues to operate under its original Security Council mandate.

The source told Hespress AR that the mission is working “in full accordance” with Resolution 690 of April 29, 1991, which created MINURSO, and under Resolution 2756, drafted by the United States, that extends its mandate through Oct. 31, 2025.

“Any modification to the mission’s name or scope would require officially ending its mandate and issuing a new Security Council resolution, which has not happened,” the source said.

The source rejected the term “MANSASO,” circulated in some media, as baseless, noting that U.N. missions are designated in English acronyms, not French-based abbreviations. “Renaming or restructuring the mission falls exclusively within the Security Council’s authority,” the source added.

MINURSO’s core task remains monitoring the cease-fire in the Sahara and conducting demining operations, despite the failure to hold a referendum on self-determination, the source said.

The mission has 203 military observers deployed across nine field sites on both sides of the Moroccan-built security wall. Four sites, namely Smara, Mahbes, Umm Dreiga and Awsard, lie to the west, while five, Bir Lahlou, Tifariti, Mehaires, Mijek and Awsard, are located to the east. Bases in Smara and Awsard also provide logistical and administrative support, including helicopter operations.

Under Military Agreement No. 1 of 1997, MINURSO monitors cease-fire compliance in restricted and buffer zones. A 1999 agreement with Morocco’s army and the Polisario Front governs mine-clearing operations.

The mission conducts daily patrols to inspect troop positions, monitor military exercises, supervise the destruction of mines and munitions, and maintain a visible U.N. presence. Its areas of responsibility range from 12,000 to 47,000 square kilometers, depending on the site.

Alongside its military operations, MINURSO maintains a civilian and logistical component, including 20 medical staff, seven noncommissioned officers, 74 international civilian employees, 159 local staff and 15 U.N. volunteers.