International Recognition Puts Moroccan Diplomacy in Crisis: Sahrawi Republic Gains Momentum
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS-In a resounding setback for the Moroccan Makhzen, the Sahrawi Republic, supported by its legitimate representative, the Polisario front, has secured a series of extraordinary diplomatic victories on a global scale. Meanwhile, the Moroccan occupier faces mounting isolation and condemnation in the international arena, owing to its persistent policy of colonization and flagrant disregard for established international norms. The preceding week has proven to be a particularly somber chapter in Moroccan diplomacy, characterized by a string of disheartening disappointments and significant setbacks, underscoring the deteriorating position of the Moroccan regime on the world stage.
Berlin’s Resounding Support for De Mistura: A Powerful Endorsement for Diplomatic Excellence
A significant and pivotal shift in Germany’s position regarding Morocco’s autonomy thesis on Western Sahara has emerged, capturing global attention. Amidst this backdrop, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has firmly and resolutely reaffirmed her nation’s unwavering commitment to backing the United Nations mission in Western Sahara. Her unequivocal statement emphasizes that the UN-led process remains the optimal and promising platform to attain just, enduring, and mutually agreeable resolutions for all stakeholders entangled in the conflict. This resolute stance defies Rabat’s assertions of an exclusive German support base, showcasing a mounting recognition and acknowledgment of the Sahrawi cause worldwide.
Bold Diplomatic Move: Italy Delivers a Resounding Slap to Bourita
Italy delivered a resounding blow to Nacer Bourita, the Moroccan foreign minister, during his recent visit to the country. Contrary to misrepresentations in the Moroccan media, Italy unequivocally reaffirmed its firm support for the Sahrawi cause and the ongoing efforts of the UN Secretary General’s personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura, in facilitating the self-determination process in Western Sahara.
In a series of sponsorship events held in the city of Bologna, Italian cities and Sahrawi provinces came together, underlining the unwavering support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. The gatherings were attended by prominent Sahrawi leaders, diplomats, and representatives of the non-aligned movement. These events served to reinforce the commitment to the principles enshrined in UN Security Council resolution 15-14, which emphasizes the granting of independence to colonized countries and peoples.
Italy’ stance reflects a deep-rooted dedication to justice, human rights, and the promotion of international peace and stability. The Italian government remains firmly committed to supporting the Sahrawi people in their pursuit of self-determination, in alignment with the principles of the United Nations and international law.
As the Moroccan foreign minister sought to portray a different narrative, Italy stood firmly behind the UN-led process for a fair and lasting resolution to the Western Sahara conflict. The visit served as a platform to voice Italy’s unwavering support for the tireless efforts of the UN Secretary General’s personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura, in fostering dialogue and negotiations between the concerned parties.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties: United States Extends Invitation to SADR Ambassador, Marking a Milestone in Relations
Moreover, the United States has taken a significant stride towards acknowledging the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and its legitimate standing by extending an official invitation to the Sahrawi ambassador for the 57th anniversary celebrations of American independence. This noteworthy invitation, transmitted through the US ambassador in Angola, carries implicit recognition of the SADR and signifies a remarkable shift in the Biden administration’s stance on the Western Sahara issue. In a departure from previous policies, the administration now recognizes the Polisario as the authentic representative of the Sahrawi people, while also considering the Moroccan plan as one of several potential resolutions for the longstanding conflict. This development underscores the United States’ commitment to promoting a just and comprehensive solution that respects the rights and aspirations of all parties involved.
Expanding Horizons: Polisario Extends Fishing Licenses to the Canary Islands, Bolstering Cooperation and Economic Opportunities
Amidst these diplomatic victories, the proactive engagement of the Polisario Front in talks with Canarian fishermen stands as a testament to their commitment to finding practical solutions. With the imminent expiration of the fishing agreement between the EU and Morocco, the Polisario Front has swiftly stepped in, expressing a readiness to grant licenses to Canarian fishermen. By doing so, they ensure that the fishermen can continue their vital fishing activities in Sahrawi waters without interruption. This immediate response highlights the Polisario Front’s dedication to safeguarding the interests of Canarian fishermen and their families, who would have otherwise faced the adverse consequences of the non-renewal of the Brussels agreement. Moreover, this proactive approach also addresses the concerns raised by the EU Court of Justice regarding the legality of the previous agreement, demonstrating the Polisario Front’s commitment to adhering to international legal standards while finding practical resolutions.
The Polisario front’s warning highlights the two distinct paths that lie ahead in the waters of Western Sahara. On one hand, there is the continuation of the European Union’s cooperation with what the front deems as “the piracy of Morocco.” On the other hand, there is the opportunity to embrace the legality offered by the front itself, starting from July 17th.
Central to this proposal are the 13 vessel crews, whose interests are at the forefront of the Polisario front’s intentions. They propose the granting of direct fishing licenses for a period of one year, subject to approval by the Spanish government. However, their ultimate aspiration is to establish a comprehensive agreement with the European Union, based on principles of good neighborliness, as initially put forth in 2017.
This proposition signifies the Polisario front’s willingness to engage in diplomatic dialogue and negotiate a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties involved. By emphasizing the importance of legality and good neighborly policies, the front seeks to chart a more harmonious and sustainable future in the waters of Western Sahara.
The cumulative effect of these diplomatic successes is casting a shadow on Moroccan diplomacy. Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara is being increasingly scrutinized and challenged by the international community. The Sahrawi Republic and the Polisario front’s gains in recognition and support serve as a resounding testament to their legitimate cause and the global acknowledgment of the need for a just and lasting political solution to the Western Sahara conflict.
As the world watches, Moroccan diplomacy faces a dark week indeed, while the Sahrawi Republic and the Polisario front continue to gain traction, support, and international legitimacy. It is evident that the tides are turning, and the momentum for a fair and sustainable resolution to the Western Sahara conflict is steadily growing.
Western Sahara: Uncovering the Cause of Conflict and Struggle for Self-Determination
Western Sahara, a Non-Self-Governing Territory recognized by the United Nations (UN), is once again in the spotlight as conflict reemerges, jeopardizing the fragile peace that has prevailed for decades. This contested region, nestled in the Sahel region and bordered by Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania, holds significant strategic importance due to its phosphate reserves, rich fishing grounds, and potential offshore oil deposits. The conflict revolves around the struggle for self-determination by the Sahrawi people, the indigenous inhabitants of Western Sahara.
The roots of the conflict can be traced back more than half a century, when Western Sahara was included on the UN list of non-self-governing territories in 1963. The UN General Assembly’s resolution 1514 (XV) of 1960 emphasized the importance of granting independence to colonial countries and peoples, setting the stage for Western Sahara’s decolonization agenda.
However, Morocco’s aggressive foreign policy following its independence in 1956 aimed to expand its territory under the concept of “Greater Morocco.” Its ambitions encompassed not only Western Sahara but also Mauritania, northwest Mali, and western Algeria. When these plans failed to materialize, Morocco turned its focus to annexing Western Sahara.
To address doubts raised about Morocco’s territorial claims, the UN sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1975. The court’s ruling, issued on October 16, stated that Morocco had never held sovereignty over Western Sahara. The ICJ emphasized that the decolonization of the territory should be achieved through the principle of self-determination, allowing the Sahrawi people to express their will freely and genuinely.
In response, Morocco launched the so-called “Green March” on November 6, 1975, during which 350,000 Moroccan settlers entered Western Sahara. This occupation coincided with the termination of Spain’s administrative power, creating a vacuum that the UN was forced to address. The UN Security Council condemned the march and called on Morocco to withdraw all demonstrators from the territory, but these efforts proved futile.
The Polisario Front, founded in 1973 and recognized as the sole and legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people, continued its struggle to end foreign occupation. In 1976, they established a government-in-exile and declared the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The SADR received recognition from the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), in November 1984. Morocco, in protest, withdrew from the OAU. In 1991, a UN-sponsored peace settlement led to a ceasefire between the Polisario Front and Morocco, paving the way for the establishment of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), which remains in place today.
Despite the ceasefire, Western Sahara remains a disputed territory. While Morocco controls parts of the region, the UN continues to refer to it as a non-self-governing territory, advocating for self-determination for the Sahrawi people. The UN is deeply committed to finding a solution that ensures the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, as reflected in various relevant resolutions.
Regrettably, after nearly three decades of complying with the 1991 ceasefire, Morocco’s act of aggression on the Saharawi Liberated Territories on November 13, 2020, has shattered the peace. This recent escalation not only terminated the ceasefire and related military agreements but also undermined the UN peace process, plunging the region into a renewed cycle of tension and instability.
Both the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council have confirmed the breakdown of the 1991 ceasefire on November 13, 2020. In his report (S/2021/843; para 2) dated October 1, 2021, the UN Secretary-General acknowledged, among other things, “the resumption of hostilities” between the occupying state of Morocco and the Frente POLISARIO. For its part, in its resolution 2602 (2021), adopted on October 29, 2021, the Security Council noted “with deep concern the breakdown of the ceasefire” (PP 14).
The acknowledgment by both the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council of the breakdown of the 1991 ceasefire and the realities on the ground render any attempt to deny or underplay the seriousness of the current situation in MINURSO’s area of operation unacceptable and even misleading at a time when the occupying state of Morocco continues its aggression on the Sahrawi Liberated Territories and its deliberate targeting and killing of civilians and destroying their properties.
The resumption of armed conflict in Western Sahara highlights the urgent need for a lasting and just solution that respects the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. The international community must renew its efforts to find a peaceful resolution to this protracted dispute that upholds the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law.
The UN, alongside regional organizations such as the AU, should intensify diplomatic efforts to bring all parties to the negotiating table. Only through dialogue and genuine engagement can a sustainable solution be achieved, one that provides the Sahrawi people with the opportunity to exercise their right to determine their own future.
As the conflict in Western Sahara unfolds, the world must not turn a blind eye to the plight of the Sahrawi people. They deserve a just and peaceful resolution that will finally bring an end to their decades-long struggle and pave the way for a prosperous future in an independent and sovereign Western Sahara. The time for action is now.
