Russia vetoes US draft on Western Sahara
UN mission's mandate extended to October 31, 2026, without name change.
Russia vetoed a US-drafted resolution on Western Sahara on October 30, preventing the UN mission (MINURSO) from having its mandate extended. The vote meant the mission's mandate expired on October 31 without a renewal. A Russian alternative text also failed to pass.
The US draft, which proposed renaming the mission MINUSO and making Moroccan autonomy the sole negotiation basis, received 11 votes in favour, one against from Russia, and three abstentions. The Russian proposal garnered only three votes, with the US voting against it.
Russia's ambassador stated the council cannot predetermine sovereignty issues. The veto maintains the possibility of a referendum and self-determination for the Sahrawi people, as Russia's alternative text recalled previous resolutions and the principle of self-determination.
Why it mattersThe veto by Russia means the UN mission in Western Sahara's mandate is not extended, leaving its future uncertain and the question of self-determination unresolved.