Financial Times warns of Western Sahara escalation risk
UN mission's mandate ends after 35 years, raising fears of military confrontation and uncertainty.
The Financial Times warned on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, that Western Sahara faces unprecedented uncertainty following the end of the UN's MINURSO mission after 35 years. The British newspaper reported that the UN Security Council's failure to renew the mandate, due to US-Russia differences, could lead to a larger military confrontation in a region already experiencing rising tensions and an arms race.
Ricardo Fabiani of the International Crisis Group cautioned that withdrawing UN observers from the buffer zone could trigger an uncontrollable clash from any military miscalculation. Moroccan MP Lahcen Haddad called the mission's end a "gift from heaven," believing Morocco can advance its autonomy plan without UN interference, while Sahrawi presidential advisor Oubbi Bashraya Bashir stated the Polisario Front will continue its struggle for self-determination.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that the mission's end does not negate the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination but expressed concern over intensified hostilities. The Financial Times cited Fabiani's warning that Morocco might advance into the buffer zone, potentially provoking an escalation with unpredictable consequences.
Why it mattersWestern Sahara faces increased risk of military confrontation and uncertainty following the end of the UN's MINURSO mission.