On 6 July, MINURSO observed Malawi Independence Day by hoisting the national flag at the Mission HQ next to the UN flag.

On this day, the country obtained its independent from British rule and renamed itself Malawi which means “Flames of Fire” after the shimmering effect of Lake Malawi in the sun and is known as “the warm heart of Africa” for the friendliness of its people.

Malawi first contributed troops to the UN peacekeeping in 1994. Today, Malawi contributes 800 uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide including MINURSO.

The Malawi flag features a black stripe that represents the people of Africa. The red stands for the blood spilt in Malawi's struggle for independence, while the green symbolizes the country's vegetation. The rising sun represents the dawn of freedom.