Unveiling the Saharawi Conflict: A Deep Dive into Polisario Fighters and Refugee Plight, Explored by an American Magazine
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Foreign Policy (FP) magazine published a comprehensive report shedding light on the protracted conflict in Western Sahara. The contentious issue gained international attention when former U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Morocco’s “sovereignty” over the non-autonomous territory, a move that continues to impact the current administration under President Joe Biden. In this report, co-authors Andrea Prada Bianchi and Pesha Magid delve into the complexities of the Saharawi conflict, focusing on the Polisario fighters and the plight of the refugees affected by the conflict.
Trump’s Diplomatic Bombshell
The authors highlight Trump’s decision in 2020 to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a move that sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community. This decision not only put the Biden administration in an awkward diplomatic position but also clashed with the United Nations’ policies on the issue. Trump’s promise to open a consulate in the occupied Sahrawi city of Dakhla further compounded the delicate situation.
Inactivity and Unrealized Promises
Despite Trump’s announcement, the authors note that the consulate in Dakhla remains unoccupied, reflecting a lack of concrete action on the part of the U.S. government. Presently, the most active American presence in Western Sahara is a McDonald’s restaurant in the main city of Laayoune. The lack of progress on the consulate project raises questions about the U.S.’s commitment to resolving the conflict and adhering to international norms.
Polisario Front and Saharawi Perspective
Brahim Ghali, President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and Secretary General of the Polisario Front, expresses dissatisfaction with Trump’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty and Biden’s arms sales to Rabat. Ghali believes these actions hinder the prospects for peace and further exacerbate tensions. Ghali emphasizes the urgent need for the United States to rectify its policy towards Western Sahara to promote a peaceful and just solution.
Perpetual Struggle for Independence
The report highlights that the struggle between the Polisario Front and Morocco has persisted for decades. After 15 years of war, the Sahrawis and Morocco signed a ceasefire agreement in 1991, under the auspices of the United Nations. This agreement was intended to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination in Western Sahara, the last colony in Africa. However, the referendum has yet to be realized, and Morocco continues to exploit the region’s resources, particularly phosphates and offshore natural gas.
The Frustration of the Sahrawi People
Sahrawis, who have been waiting for the promised referendum, feel a deep sense of indignation as Morocco profits from their lands while the UN’s commitments fade. Sidi Mohamed Omar, the Polisario Front representative to the United Nations and coordinator with the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), expressed his disappointment during a recent session of the UN Decolonization Committee. Omar laid blame on the international community’s inaction, which has allowed Morocco to occupy parts of Western Sahara with impunity.
The Saharawi conflict continues to simmer, with the Polisario fighters and the Sahrawi people persisting in their struggle for self-determination. The report by FP magazine sheds light on the ongoing tensions and the complexities surrounding the conflict, urging the international community, particularly the United States, to address the issue with a renewed commitment to achieving a peaceful and just resolution. As the world watches, the Sahrawi people hope that their calls for justice and freedom will finally be answered.
Take a look into the article:
