Polisario Front Rejects Moroccan Autonomy Plan, Calls for Western Sahara Independence
Western Sahara Remains a Flashpoint as Tensions rise
The Polisario Front, a Sahrawi independence movement, has issued a strong statement rejecting Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara territory. The Polisario accuses Morocco of obstructing the decolonization process and violating the 1991 ceasefire agreement.
In a statement released through the sahrawi Press Service (SPS), the Polisario Front declared, “The decolonization of Western Sahara remains incomplete due to the obstruction by Morocco, the occupying power, in conjunction with the passivity of the international community.”
The Polisario argues that Morocco’s military invasion and occupation of the territory in 1975, coupled with its continued presence, have hindered the decolonization process and fueled instability in the region.
Escalating Tensions and a Broken Ceasefire
Tensions in the region have escalated significantly as the Polisario Front broke the ceasefire in November 2020. This move came in response to a Moroccan military operation in a buffer zone aimed at reopening a road blocked by independence fighters.
The Polisario Front maintains that the ceasefire breach has “led to the collapse of the UN-mediated peace process” and plunged the region into a “new spiral of violence and instability.”
Calls for International action and Self-Determination
The Polisario Front is urging the United Nations and its relevant bodies to intensify efforts to achieve the decolonization of Western sahara. They emphasize the Sahrawi people’s “inalienable, non-negotiable, and imprescriptible right to self-determination and independence.”
The Polisario Front’s stance is further intricate by the recent shift in position by Spain and France, both of whom have expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan. The Polisario views this as a betrayal and points out that Spain remains the legal administering power of the territory.
The future of Western Sahara remains uncertain, with the Polisario Front’s rejection of the Moroccan autonomy plan and the ongoing tensions threatening to further destabilize the region.
Polisario Front Stands Firm: Autonomy is not Enough, Only Independence will Do
NewsDirectory3 Exclusive Interview with Mohammed Salem Ould Taleb, Representative of the Polisario Front to the UN
NewsDirectory3: Mr. Taleb, the Polisario Front has categorically rejected Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Can you elaborate on the reasons behind this rejection?
Mohammed Salem Ould Taleb: The Polisario Front has consistently maintained that the Sahrawi people have the right to self-determination and independence.
Morocco’s autonomy plan falls short of this fundamental right. It essentially proposes continued Moroccan control over our territory and resources, masked as autonomy. This is unacceptable to the Sahrawi people.
NewsDirectory3: The UN has repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. How does the Polisario Front see the path forward?
Mohammed salem Ould Taleb: We remain committed to a peaceful resolution, but it must be based on the right to self-determination. We call on the UN to intensify its efforts to decolonize Western Sahara in accordance with international law.This means organizing a free and fair referendum where the Sahrawi people can express their will.
NewsDirectory3: Morocco argues that it offers substantial investment and advancement opportunities in its autonomy plan. what is your response to this?
Mohammed Salem Ould Taleb: Development cannot come at the expense of freedom and self-determination. The Moroccan occupation has already plundered our resources for decades. True development can only flourish when the Sahrawi people have control over their own destiny.
NewsDirectory3: Several countries, including Spain and France, have recently expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan. How does this shift in international opinion impact your position?
Mohammed Salem Ould Taleb: We view this shift with deep concern. These countries are ignoring the fundamental rights of the Sahrawi people and undermining international law. We urge them to reconsider their positions and support the implementation of the UN resolutions on Western Sahara.
NewsDirectory3: The situation in Western Sahara is tense, with a broken ceasefire and ongoing military build-up. What is the Polisario Front’s stance on the possibility of renewed conflict?
Mohammed Salem Ould Taleb: We are committed to peace but we will defend our right to self-determination by all necessary means. The onus is on Morocco to end its illegal occupation and allow the Sahrawi people to exercise their right to determine their own future.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Mr. Taleb,for your time and insights.
