The mission combines military observation with referendum-related tasks. The vote is intended to offer independence or integration with Morocco. It will not take place: identification, appeals and subsequent disagreements over options and political conditions prevent completion.
MINURSO nevertheless maintains an international presence on the ground. Its existence means neither that the referendum occurred nor that status was settled. The gap between its original mandate and the political process actually pursued becomes a central institutional problem. Ending open warfare does not resolve separated families, missing persons or prisoners.