Introduction

Abstract

The Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) is one of the thorniest peacekeeping operations of the United Nations (UN). Its implementation and continuing renewals raise serious doubts on the existence, since the time of its establishment, of a consolidated international consensus on how self-determination of Saharawi people should be realized. With the aim of introducing the several contributions included in this book, this chapter reassesses the process leading to the MINURSO operation as well as its implementation after 30 years from its establishment. While it contextualizes MINURSO in the broad framework of UN peacekeeping missions, this chapter provides a preliminary analysis of the mission’s strengths and problems. This investigation is essential to pave the way to the three main threads of this book: political and historical factors influencing MINURSO’s efficiency; the role of the UN and main powers in facilitating the mission’s mandate; and the ambivalence of MINURSO on human rights related aspects. In light of these analyses, the chapter also tries to identify what possible changes can be made to give new strength to an international mission in Western Sahara either by amending the MINURSO mandate or by establishing a new UN mission in cooperation with regional organizations. Yet, the lack of political agreement may prevent any significant developments in the near future while demanding new, alternative, solutions.