Guterres: Ending MINURSO mandate does not invalidate the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized that the termination of the United Nations mission for the referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) does not nullify the Sahrawi people's fundamental right to self-determination. Guterres stated that the mission, established in 1991 to monitor the ceasefire and facilitate a political solution, served to protect the rights of the population. The UN remains committed to pursuing a fair and peaceful resolution, with the continued involvement of personal envoy Staffan de Mistura to support dialogue among the parties.