An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 31 and moving in accordance with the seasons, following routes dictated by wells and watering holes. With little rainfall, Western Sahara's population depends on pastoral-nomadism, fishing, and phosphate mining as their principal sources of income, and most of the food for its urban populations must be imported. All trade and other economic activities are controlled by the Moroccan government. Western Sahara was a Spanish colony until 1976, and fol- lowing Spain's withdrawal both Morocco and Mauritania as- serted historic claims to the territory. These claims were op- posed by the Frente Polisario, which is supported by Algeria. War between Morocco and Mauritania led to Mauritania withdrawing all claims to the territory in 1979 and the con- flict from then centred on Morocco's 'reintegration' of the territory and Frente Polisario's resistance. The UN has been seeking a settlement since Spain withdrew, and in 1979 the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) also became active in seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict. In 1990, the UN Secu- rity Council approved the Secretary General's report S/21360 containing the full text of the settlement proposals and the outline of the Secretary General's implementa- tion plan. On 29th April 1991, UNSCR 690 established MINURSO in accordance with the Secretary General's report S/22464, which further detailed the implementa- tion plan. Since MINURSO's de- ployment in September 1991 the ceasefire has generally held and the political situation in West- ern Sahara has seen some positive developments in recent years, such as the passing of UNSCR 2285, calling on the parties to the conflict to continue to show political will in order to enter into a more intensive and substantive phase of negotiations. MINURSO tirelessly monitors the ceasefire and continues to adapt its structure to emerging needs, as well as improv- ing the logistic and passive protection of its team sites. The mission HQ is in Laayoune, with regional headquar- ters in the northern and southern sectors of the territory. A liaison office was also established in Tindouf, Algeria, to maintain contact with the Algerian authorities and Frente Polisario. MINURSO, which faces unique challenges from the ter- rain and climate, has military observers (UNMOs) from 37 countries, and is the only mission where UNMOs are exten- sively trained on the ground and have their performance evaluated by a Patrol Leader Qualification Test before performing as MINURSO observers. The UNMOs' basic duties and responsibilities include ob- serving, reporting, patrolling, observation point procedures, verification and monitoring, investigation and inspection, briefing procedures, and team leading. The Defence Forces has been involved in MINURSO since the 1990s and currently has three officers serving with the mission: Comdt Thomas Bouchier, Capt Shane Brennan and Capt James Mulderrig. MINURSO deployment map Capt Mulderrig with the MINURSO Special Representative for the Secretary General (SRSG) Mr Stewart and the Deputy Force Commander Brig Gen Stroms visit to Mehaires Team Site. Capt Brennan briefing UNMOs on his operational plan. Comdt Bouchier marking UXO.

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