Washington Institute warns: End of MINURSO risks instability in Western Sahara

Researcher Sabina Henneberg, in an analysis for the Washington Institute, has warned of the security repercussions following the end of the UN mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO). The absence of international monitoring mechanisms could increase tensions, with concerns regarding potential Moroccan efforts to expand control into territories currently outside its reach. While noting that both Algeria and Morocco have an interest in avoiding open conflict, Henneberg emphasizes that the lack of UN oversight makes crisis management more difficult. She urges the US administration to take active diplomatic steps and send high-level officials to facilitate dialogue, warning that this diplomatic vacuum could allow Russia and China to increase their regional influence.