The mission MINURSO started in 1991 as part of the conflict resolution programme, originated from the cease-fire between Morocco and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia El-Hamra and of Riod De Oro (Polisario Front) and supported by Algeria.
The conflict originated by the action of Morocco that, after the abandonment of Spain in 1976, retook the disputed territory (to the north-west of Africa and bordering with Morocco, Mauritania and Algeria) within its borders.
In order to quell the hostilities, the Security Council adopted the Resolution 690 on 29th April 1991 that established a UN mission aiming to organize and control the execution of the referendum for the self-determination of the population living in the Western Sahara region; it had also to monitor the cease-fire between the Moroccan Forces and the Polisario Front.
Italy contributed to the mission with 5 Military Observers that concluded the mandate on 30th March 2015.