The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has terminated the employment of its chief engineer, according to a statement released on June 18, 2026. The decision, effective immediately, was confirmed by a UN spokesperson in New York, who declined to provide specific reasons, citing personnel confidentiality.
The chief engineer, whose name has not been officially released, had been with MINURSO since 2023 and was responsible for overseeing infrastructure and logistics at mission bases across the disputed territory. The dismissal follows an internal review, but no details of any misconduct or performance issues have been made public.
MINURSO, established in 1991, monitors the ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front and supports efforts toward a political solution. The mission has faced operational challenges in recent years, including budget constraints and personnel turnover. The departure of the chief engineer is not expected to disrupt core operations, a UN official said.
Local sources in Laayoune reported that the engineer had been involved in disputes with contractors over maintenance contracts, but these claims could not be independently verified. The UN has not commented on any ongoing investigations.
