Western Sahara: Washington wants to reform Minurso, Polisario Front threatens to leave talks

Tensions are escalating as less than ten days remain until the UN Security Council votes on whether to extend the mandate of Minurso, the UN mission for organizing a referendum in Western Sahara. A draft proposal presented by the United States to the UN Security Council on Thursday, October 22, 2026, redefines the contours of the UN mission. Washington advocates for the extension of Minurso's mandate, but its role would be profoundly altered, prompting a swift reaction from the Polisario Front, the Sahrawi independence group, which felt targeted. Key points: - Tensions are escalating as less than ten days remain until the UN Security Council votes on whether to extend the mandate of Minurso, the UN mission for organizing a referendum in Western Sahara. - A draft proposal presented by the United States to the UN Security Council on Thursday, October 22, 2026, redefines the contours of the UN mission. - Washington advocates for the extension of Minurso's mandate, but its role would be profoundly altered, prompting a swift reaction from the Polisario Front, the Sahrawi independence group.