Spain took a new stance on the Western Sahara-Morocco conflict on March 18 declaring its newfound support for Morocco’s 2007 initiative for Western Sahara’s autonomy under the Moroccan King’s rule. This shift came as a surprise and a betrayal for the Western Saharan people (Saharawi), since, only months earlier, Spain had maintained a neutral stance on the issue. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called Morocco’s initiative “the most serious, realistic and credible” plan to end the region’s decades-long dispute, according to Africa News. Spain has now joined several other countries in their recognition and support of Morocco’s territorial sovereignty over the Western Saharan region. But, the issue is not only about who rules this region, it is about the human rights abuses that have occurred against the Saharawi and others who have supported their independence efforts. 

The Western Saharan Conflict 

The Western Saharan conflict with Morocco began in the 70s. Upon the Spanish agreeing to relinquish control over the Western Saharan region in 1975 due to increased pressure from the UN, a referendum was made—but not yet granted— to help the Saharawi people achieve independence. However, the surrounding countries of Mauritania and Morocco sought to place their claim on the territory, which contains a vast amount of natural resources. Despite the International Court of Justice denying their claims, Morocco sent troops to the region that same year causing Spain to withdraw completely from the region. This resulted in the Madrid Accords which granted Mauritania and Morocco “temporary administration” over the territory. The Polisario Front—formed originally in 1973 to fight against Spanish rule after its decolonization—and the Moroccan government subsequently entered a 16-year-long war lasting until 1991 when the UN proposed a ceasefire between the two nations to reduce the conflict.

“The United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the International Court of Justice, and all regional organizations do not recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara,” the separatist movement said in a statement. 

With several documents outlining the right to self-determination, the UN has supported Western Sahara’s independence for decades, promising time and time again to resolve its conflict with Morocco. However, it has failed to deliver. The Saharawi people of Western Sahara, who have escaped several human rights abuses by the Moroccan government to refugee camps along the Algerian border, ultimately felt betrayed and further pushed to the side with Spain’s announcement. Every party has sought a resolution, but neither side of the argument has been able to work with the other to finally end it.

Evidence of human rights abuses by Morocco has further complicated the conflict. In 2020, the ceasefire was broken when the front resumed attacks on Morocco on claims that the kingdom had been killing Western Saharan civilians. Despite the promises made by human rights organizations and sympathetic governments, support for Western Sahara’s self-determination has dwindled. In 2020, the Trump administration recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the region. Since then, Biden has not reversed this decision. In fact, the U.S. reaffirmed its support for Moroccan sovereignty this past month, with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Wendy Sherman’s visit to Rabat. Similar to Spain, the U.S. sought to establish better diplomatic ties. In exchange for the U.S.’s support, Morocco will recognize the Israeli state and develop diplomatic relations—a step Sherman has praised as “maintaining peace and security in the region.” Along with the U.S., the United Arab Emirates, Germany, and the United Kingdom have also backed Morocco.

Now, Spain joins the U.S. in recognizing Morocco’s control. 

A New Shift for Better or for Worse

The Spanish Prime Minister’s new stance was announced after a year of tension between his nation and Morocco that arose after Spain secretly transported Western Saharan resistance movement (the Polisario Front) leader Brahim Ghali to the country to be treated for COVID-19 in April 2021. The transaction sparked major diplomatic strains between Madrid and Rabat, the latter reporting a breach of trust and subsequently allowing for nearly 10,000 migrants to enter Spain with a relaxation of its border controls in mid-May. 

Sanchez’s decision to fix its ties with the once strategic ally Morocco was “essential to resume normalization… for a much more solid, stronger relationship with the Kingdom of Morocco.” Because Morocco has significant control over the flow of migration from northern Africa to Spain, their alliance is essential to Spain’s migratory security. However, on this basis, the Polisario accused the Spanish government of succumbing to “pressure and blackmail” from Morocco to mend damaged ties. They have called Spain’s new stance a “grave error” made to the region and to its people. 

Abdulah Arabi, the Delegate of the Polisario Front in Spain, said autonomy under Morocco should not be a set decision by the two countries, rather it must be an option to be voted upon in a referendum for the Saharawi people.  The delegation seeks to strengthen the relationship between the Saharawi and the people of Spain. Arabi and others in the delegation also work to inform political and social institutions in Spain of current developing events in Western Sahara. A common goal that the delegation and others supporting the Saharawi seeks to achieve is the exposure of their struggle for independence through a referendum under the UN. Not only should the legal document allow Saharawi to have democratic rights, but should also recognize their independence on an international scale.

What’s Next for the Region?

As of now, Western Sahara is still considered a non-decolonized territory in the UN’s list of Non-Self-Governing territories and under international laws of military occupation. With several documents drawn up, delegations formed, and discussions, no one solution has stuck. But, as more developed countries in the West continue to put their support behind Morocco’s initiative, one thing is for certain: the region may not see independence soon. What’s next for the region and will the Saharawi people get a say in their future? Awareness is definitely one of the most important factors in this issue. With the current circumstances, the Saharawi and its efforts with the Polisario Front initiative for self-determination need more help and support, especially from the U.S. and Western European states. As for the UN and its referendum, the organization needs to keep its promises and recognize the right to self-determination, along with conducting investigations of human rights abuses. 

“There will be neither peace, nor stability, nor a just and lasting solution to the Moroccan-Saharawi conflict unless the UN Security Council assumes its responsibilities in responding frankly and firmly to the aggressive and expansionist practices of the Moroccan occupying power.” Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali said in a speech to the Saharawi people at the Dajla refugee camp near Algeria.

It would be highly beneficial for the Saharawi people to gain exposure on local news sites, Instagram posts, Twitter tags, and multimedia work like documentaries. If stronger states used their resources and stepped up for the Saharawi people, independence might not be so far away.

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