French Government Urged to Support Self-Determination of Saharawi People

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- The Young Communist Movement of France (MJCF) has called upon the French government to take a decisive stance on the colonization of Western Sahara and the grave human rights violations taking place in the occupied territory. The movement advocates for the French government to act in accordance with international law by supporting the self-determination referendum for the Saharawi people.

Expressing deep concern over Morocco’s pressure tactics regarding Western Sahara, the MJCF emphasizes that the French government cannot continue to be a hostage to Moroccan influence. They highlight the recent appeal by Aziz Akhannouch, head of the Moroccan government, urging France to relinquish its “observer” status on the Western Sahara issue and endorse Morocco’s controversial “autonomy plan.” This plan effectively recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Saharawi territory, which raises serious concerns for advocates of self-determination.

The MJCF further sheds light on the Pegasus affair, which has exposed Morocco’s espionage practices. This revelation has unveiled the extent of Morocco’s lobbying efforts and corruption, aimed at suppressing information concerning human rights abuses in both Moroccan territory and Western Sahara.

Recalling the European Parliament’s declaration of concern regarding corruption involving Moroccan Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), the French movement asserts that recent revelations surrounding massive espionage through the Pegasus software and investigations into the corruption of European parliamentarians should result in tangible consequences.

In light of these developments, the Young Communist Movement of France calls for substantial measures and sanctions to be implemented. They emphasize the need for the French government to support the Saharawi people’s right to self-determination, based on international law and the principles of justice and human rights.

The French government is urged to act in line with its commitment to upholding these values, to break free from the shackles of Moroccan influence, and to actively promote a just and lasting solution to the Western Sahara issue. By doing so, France can contribute to the realization of the Saharawi people’s aspirations for self-determination and pave the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future in the region.

Sneak Peek into the Western Sahara Cause: A Struggle for Self-Determination and Independence

The Western Sahara, a Non-Self-Governing Territory recognized by the United Nations (UN), remains a disputed region with an ongoing conflicts. Situated in the Sahel region, it shares borders with Algeria, the Kingdom of Morocco, and Mauritania.

The Sahrawis, the indigenous peoples of the region, form a diverse community speaking the Hassaniya dialect of Arabic. Due to the region’s colonial past, Spanish is also spoken as a second language by many. Western Sahara has been a focal point on the decolonization agenda of both the UN and the African Union (AU) for over half a century.

In 1963, Western Sahara was listed as a non-self-governing territory under Article 73 of the UN Charter and the UN General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 1960, which focused on granting independence to colonial countries and peoples.

A significant turning point in the Western Sahara cause occurred on November 6, 1975, with the so-called “Green March” launched by Morocco. This march involved the movement of 350,000 Moroccan settlers into the territory, a number four times larger than the Sahrawi population at that time. This act coincided with the end of Spanish administration in the region, creating a vacuum that necessitated UN intervention.

Despite the UN Security Council’s condemnation of the march and the call for an immediate withdrawal of demonstrators from Western Sahara, Morocco’s efforts continued. The Polisario Front, a liberation movement representing the Sahrawi people, emerged and declared the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in 1976. In November 1984, the SADR gained recognition from the then Organization of African Unity (now the AU). This recognition led to Morocco’s protest, resulting in its withdrawal from the AU.

After years of conflict, the Polisario Front and Morocco reached a ceasefire agreement in 1991, facilitated by the UN. This led to the establishment of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), which has been responsible for overseeing the peace process to this day.

However, despite the ceasefire, Western Sahara remains a disputed territory, with Morocco exerting control over parts of the region. The UN continues to regard Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory and supports the principle of self-determination for its people.

The UN is committed to finding a solution that ensures the self-determination of the Sahrawi people in line with relevant Council resolutions. Nevertheless, on November 13, 2020, after almost 30 years of compliance with the ceasefire, Morocco’s aggression on the Saharawi Liberated Territories shattered the peace. This act not only terminated the ceasefire and related military agreements but also undermined the UN peace process, leading to increased tension and instability in the region.

Both the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council have acknowledged the breakdown of the 1991 ceasefire. The seriousness of the situation in the area of MINURSO’s operation cannot be denied or downplayed. Morocco’s continued aggression on the Sahrawi Liberated Territories, including the deliberate targeting and killing of civilians and destruction of their properties, demands attention and condemnation.

The final status of Western Sahara can only be determined through a UN-supervised referendum, where the inhabitants can exercise their legitimate right to self-determination. Algeria, a staunch defender of decolonized peoples worldwide, considers Western Sahara a decolonization issue between the Polisario Front and the Kingdom of Morocco. The international community must continue to work towards a peaceful resolution, ensuring that the voices of the people of Western Sahara are heard and their aspirations for independence or integration are respected in a manner consistent with international law.