Sahrawi Refugees Criticize Spain for Recognizing Palestine but Ignoring Western Sahara

Sahrawi refugees in Smara camp, Algeria, have expressed their discontent with Spain's recognition of Palestine while failing to acknowledge the independence of Western Sahara. They argue that Spain's stance is hypocritical, given its historical and legal responsibilities towards Western Sahara, a territory still awaiting decolonization.

Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been a disputed territory since Morocco's annexation in 1976 and 1979. The annexation is widely regarded as illegal under international law. The United Nations lists Western Sahara as a non-decolonized territory and a non-self-governing territory, with Spain considered the de jure administering state.

The Sahrawi refugees' criticism comes amid ongoing tensions between Morocco and the Polisario Front, an independence movement based in Tifariti and Bir Lehlou. The Polisario Front has long called for a referendum to determine the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. Despite a UN-monitored ceasefire in effect since September 1991, the conflict remains unresolved.

Why this matters: The recognition of Western Sahara's independence has significant implications for regional stability and international relations. If Spain fails to acknowledge Western Sahara's independence, it may exacerbate tensions between Morocco and the Polisario Front, leading to further conflict and instability in the region.

Morocco views the Polisario Front as a separatist organization and claims that Western Sahara is an integral part of its kingdom. The Moroccan government has noted that many Polisario leaders' fathers were veterans of the Moroccan Southern Army. However, the international community, with the exception of the United States and Israel, has not recognized Morocco's annexation of Western Sahara.

Spain's recognition of Palestine has sparked anger among Sahrawi refugees, who feel that their struggle for independence is being ignored. They argue that Spain's actions are inconsistent and fail to address the incomplete decolonization process of Western Sahara. The refugees believe that Spain, the former colonial power, has a duty to support their right to self-determination.

The Madrid Accords of 1975, which led to Morocco's annexation of Western Sahara, have been a point of contention. The Polisario Front proclaimed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in Bir Lehlou on February 27, 1976, and has since sought international recognition and support. Algeria has been a steadfast ally, recognizing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic on March 6, 1976, and backing its independence efforts.

The ongoing dispute over Western Sahara's status has significant implications for regional stability and international relations. The Sahrawi refugees' criticism of Spain highlights the complexities and unresolved issues surrounding the territory's decolonization. The international community continues to struggle with these challenges, the call for a fair and decisive referendum remains a vital demand from the Sahrawi people.

Key Takeaways

• Sahrawi refugees criticize Spain's recognition of Palestine while ignoring Western Sahara's independence.
• Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, remains a disputed territory since Morocco's annexation in 1976.
• The UN lists Western Sahara as a non-decolonized territory, with Spain as the de jure administering state.
• Recognition of Western Sahara's independence has significant implications for regional stability and international relations.
• The Sahrawi people demand a fair and decisive referendum to determine their self-determination.