New York (United Nations), 15 October 2026 (SPS) – Botswana has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Sahrawi people’s inalienable right to self-determination, calling for the implementation of UN General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV) on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples.
Addressing the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee on Tuesday, Botswana stressed that Western Sahara remains an unfinished decolonisation issue requiring continued UN engagement and the fulfilment of its responsibilities towards the Sahrawi people.
Botswana called for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution based on genuine dialogue, good-faith negotiations and the free will of the Sahrawi people. It urged all parties to engage constructively under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy.
The country also emphasised the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and protecting the rights and dignity of those affected by the conflict, including through cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Reaffirming its support for the draft resolution on Western Sahara, Botswana stressed that the UN’s credibility depends on translating its principles into action and ensuring that the Sahrawi people can exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.
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