UN Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara Fails to Renew Mandate

• Russia and the US vetoed rival resolutions on Western Sahara at the UN Security Council.
• This is the first time in 35 years the UN failed to renew the mandate for its peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara.
• The peacekeeping mission's mandate expired on October 30, 2023, leaving the mission without a renewed mandate.
• The failure to renew the mandate threatens to escalate tensions between Morocco and Sahrawi rebels.
• The UN peacekeeping mission was established to monitor a ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara.