MINURSO
MINURSO is the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, established in 1991 and headquartered in Laayoune.
Last updated: October 2026
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara |
| Established | 1991, by UN Security Council Resolution 690 |
| Headquarters | Laayoune, Western Sahara |
| Mandate | Monitor the ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front and organize a referendum in which the Sahrawi people choose between integration with Morocco and independence. The referendum has never been held. |
| Status | Active — mandate renewed by Resolution 2797 (2025) until 31 October 2026 |
| Head | Alexander Ivanko, Special Representative of the Secretary-General |
MINURSO is a United Nations peacekeeping mission, not a membership organization — it has no member countries. Established in 1991 and headquartered in Laayoune, it monitors the ceasefire in Western Sahara and was tasked with organizing a referendum that has never been held. Its mandate runs until 31 October 2026.
What is MINURSO?
MINURSO is the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, a peacekeeping mission established in 1991 and headquartered in Laayoune. It monitors the ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
Does MINURSO have member countries?
No. MINURSO is a UN peacekeeping mission, not a membership organization. It is staffed by UN personnel and headed by a Special Representative of the Secretary-General; it has no member countries.