New York (United Nations), 13 November 2026 (SPS) – Malta stressed that the end of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) must not mark the end of UN engagement in Western Sahara, affirming that the Sahrawi people deserve a credible process towards a peaceful, just and lasting solution.
Speaking before the UN General Assembly on 10 November, Malta warned that the mission's abrupt termination could create a security vacuum, increase the risk of renewed escalation and threaten stability across the wider Mediterranean region.
Malta reaffirmed its support for the UN-led political process and the efforts of the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, calling on all parties to exercise restraint, engage constructively and in good faith, and avoid further escalation.
It also expressed regret that MINURSO's mandate had ended amid divisions within the Security Council, despite the mission's 35-year contribution to monitoring the ceasefire and maintaining regional stability. Malta stressed the need for an orderly withdrawal, continued support for the political process and confidence-building measures.
The Maltese delegation further called on Security Council members to find common ground to ensure a coordinated transition and sustained international engagement in the search for a peaceful and lasting solution to the Western Sahara conflict.
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