UN: Panama Regrets Failure to Renew MINURSO Mandate Following Russian Veto

12:30

Panama has voiced concern over the failure of the United Nations Security Council to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), following Russia’s veto of a draft resolution submitted by the United States on October 30, 2026.

Speaking on Wednesday during a United Nations General Assembly session examining the use of Russia’s veto, Panama’s Ambassador to the UN, Eloy Alfaro de Alba, expressed disappointment that the Council had been unable to approve the proposed extension. Panama, which served as an elected member of the Security Council, had supported the American initiative.

According to the Panamanian diplomat, the draft resolution sought to establish a practical framework capable of bringing the parties involved closer to negotiations. He explained that the proposal incorporated Morocco’s sovereignty initiative alongside autonomy guarantees, presenting a potential basis for advancing the political process.

Panama Calls for a Negotiated Framework

De Alba highlighted the importance of taking the aspirations of the affected populations into account when addressing the principle of self-determination. He recalled that previous efforts had explored different avenues of consultation, involving residents of the territory, people living in camps in Tindouf and displaced Sahrawi communities abroad.

For Panama, a sustainable political settlement requires an approach that considers the concerns and legitimate expectations of the populations concerned while creating conditions for meaningful dialogue.

Orderly Withdrawal and Continued UN Engagement

Addressing the future of MINURSO, the Panamanian ambassador stressed that any withdrawal of the mission must follow established United Nations procedures and take place in an orderly manner. He also urged all parties to cooperate fully throughout the process to avoid further complications.

The diplomat acknowledged that the end of the mission's mandate would not automatically resolve the outstanding political issues. Nevertheless, he described the situation as the beginning of a new phase, one that should encourage renewed diplomatic engagement rather than bring international mediation to a halt.

Panama Backs Continued Mediation Efforts

Panama also endorsed the position of the UN Secretary-General regarding the continued involvement of the international organisation in facilitating dialogue. In this regard, de Alba called for sustained efforts through the good offices of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura.

He further emphasised the importance of maintaining the Security Council’s support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving a fair, lasting and mutually acceptable political settlement.

Panama’s position reflects its preference for continued multilateral engagement, with negotiations remaining central to efforts to resolve a longstanding dispute. The ambassador concluded by stressing the need to bring the conflict to an end through a political solution capable of securing lasting stability.