Polisario Front Warns Spain Against Exploiting Western Sahara’s Territorial Waters Beyond July 17

BY/ Hana Saada

ALGIERS- The Polisario Frente, the solo representative front of the Sahrawi people, has issued a stern warning to Spain, urging the withdrawal of its fishing vessels from the occupied coasts of Western Sahara.

The Polisario Front’s lawyer has explicitly reminded Spain of the current fishing agreement, signed in 2019, which stipulates the return of European ships to their home ports following its expiration on July 17, 2023.

Legal Implications

The European Court of Justice is expected to issue a ruling before the end of this year concerning the inclusion of Western Sahara and its natural resources in the association agreements between the European Union and Morocco. The Polisario Front firmly asserts the invalidity of these agreements, emphasizing the need to safeguard the permanent sovereignty of the Sahrawi people over their economic resources and their inherent right to self-determination.

Sahrawi People’s Right to Self-Determination

The Sahrawi people have long fought for their right to self-determination and control over their natural resources. They argue that the exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources without their consent violates international law and undermines their aspirations for independence. The Polisario Front continues to advocate for the recognition of Western Sahara as an independent state, free from external control or exploitation.

Call for Respect and Justice

The Polisario Front’s warning to Spain serves as a reminder that the international community should respect the sovereignty and self-determination of the Sahrawi people. Spain, as a member of the European Union, has a responsibility to uphold international law and ensure that its fishing vessels do not contribute to the exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources.