The UN mission for the referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has reportedly ceased operations after the Security Council failed on Friday to approve competing resolutions extending its mandate.

According to the account provided, the wind-down began on November 1, with a smaller team tasked with handling equipment and assets.

Russia reportedly vetoed the U.S. draft, while the Russian proposal failed to secure sufficient votes.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an orderly withdrawal and said the mission’s closure would not extinguish the rights of the people of Western Sahara. He reaffirmed UN support for a political solution.