Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
238. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Irish Government has raised with the Moroccan Government and condemned the recent drone attack in Western Sahara which killed three members of the Polisario Front; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45810/26]
View answerIreland shares the concerns expressed by the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Western Sahara, Staffan De Mistura, and MINURSO, the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara, concerning the recent attacks by the Frente Polisario near Smara. We furthermore share the Personal Envoy’s concerns about reports of a drone strike that targeted a Frente Polisario military vehicle in the Mijek area, resulting in three fatalities. I understand that MINURSO is seeking security clearances from the parties to conduct an investigation into the incident. The Personal Envoy has emphasised that this is a time for dialogue and negotiations, not a time for military escalation, recalling that military actions from any side risk jeopardising the progress made towards a lasting, mutually acceptable solution to the conflict.
Ireland's position on Western Sahara has been and continues to be guided by the aim of achieving a just and lasting political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. Ireland's engagement on this issue will also continue to take account of the role of, and the insights provided by the Personal Envoy. Officials at the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and in the mission network continue to be in contact with relevant parties to the dispute in this regard.
Any relevant developments will continue to be kept under close review, including in the context of EU and UN discussions. The United Nations recognises Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory under international law, specifically Chapter XI of the United Nations Charter.
