Peacekeeping Operations in Situations of Conflict: The Case of MINURSO

This contribution analyzes one of the thorniest UN peacekeeping missions currently operating around the globe: the MINURSO. It explores its mandate in an attempt to identify the potential pitfalls from its gestation process. The analysis will make clear both the ambivalent role of MINURSO and of all actors involved as well as the potential for a meaningful change of the stagnant state of affairs. It also aims to verify what alternatives are available to overcome the situation on the ground and the expected challenges to such moves. Some proposals are finally advanced: the renewal of the MINURSO mandate is considered along a greater involvement of regional organizations with the establishment of a new peace operation as well as change in the involvement of the UN itself.