The Irish government has reaffirmed its support for the United Nations-led process aimed at reaching a political solution to the Sahara dispute, while also expressing concern over recent security developments in the city of Smarafollowing an attack near the area earlier this month that was claimed by the Polisario Front.
The position was outlined by Neale Richmond during responses to parliamentary questions submitted by members of the Irish political party Sinn Féin, which has historically expressed support for the Polisario Front’s position.
Richmond stated that Ireland continues to back UN efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to the conflict, in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
The Irish official recalled that the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2797 on October 31, 2025, extending the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in the Sahara (MINURSO) until October 31, 2026.
Although Ireland is no longer a member of the Security Council, Richmond said Dublin closely follows developments related to the file and supports international initiatives designed to preserve regional stability and advance the political process.
He also emphasized the importance of the role played by Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Sahara, noting that Ireland continues to support his efforts to bridge differences among the parties involved in the dispute.
According to Richmond, the Irish Foreign Ministry and Irish diplomatic missions remain engaged in consultations with regional and international actors connected to the issue.
Addressing recent security developments, the Irish minister said his country shares the United Nations’ concern regarding the attacks targeting the surroundings of Smara. He noted that Staffan de Mistura had already warned about the fragility of the current situation and called for dialogue and political solutions instead of military escalation, especially given the broader instability affecting the Sahel and North African regions.
Richmond reiterated Ireland’s commitment to supporting the UN political process and preserving regional stability, while acknowledging that progress remains slow due to regional complexities and differing positions among the parties involved.
He stressed that maintaining the political process, despite its difficulties, remains preferable to a return to armed confrontation and escalation, warning that renewed conflict would have direct consequences for security and stability across the wider Maghreb region.
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