United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of a potential escalation of hostilities in the disputed Western Sahara region following the expiration of a 35-year-long peacekeeping mission.

The mission, known as MINURSO (Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara), was established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and prepare for a referendum on the territory's future. Its mandate was not renewed by the UN Security Council, leading to the start of its "liquidation phase" on November 1.

Guterres expressed concern about the security situation and the risk of increased conflict, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint. The "liquidation phase" involves the transportation of assets back to troop-contributing countries.

The expiry of the mission leaves a security vacuum and raises concerns about the ongoing dispute between Morocco, which claims Western Sahara as its territory since Spain's withdrawal in 1975, and the Polisario Front, which seeks an independent Sahrawi Republic.

The UN Security Council's failure to renew MINURSO's mandate followed a divided vote on competing resolutions. The United States proposed a resolution to support self-determination and extend the mission for a year, with modifications to its name and focus. This resolution was vetoed by Russia, despite support from 11 of the 15 council members, including France and the United Kingdom.

Subsequently, a competing Russian resolution was defeated, leaving the mission without a renewed mandate. Morocco's royal palace described the non-renewal as a "significant development" that removes the Western Sahara issue from the Security Council's direct consideration. Algeria's Foreign Ministry expressed "deep regret" over the mission's conclusion.

Despite the conclusion of peacekeeping operations, the United Nations has stated its readiness to continue supporting efforts to advance dialogue and pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The situation remains tense, with the long-standing dispute over the territory's status unresolved.

MINURSO's presence was intended to facilitate a referendum, but this has not materialized. The region's complex geopolitical landscape, involving regional powers and differing international stances, has contributed to the prolonged stalemate.