Promoted by the Greens/EFA
Since 1975, when Morocco annexed the territory during the decolonization process initiated by Spain, crossing its border with the so-called Green March, the UN has advocated for a self-determination referendum in the Sahara. Unfortunately, this call remains unfulfilled.
In the complex realm of geopolitics, any decision or shift in perspective carries broad international consequences — economic, social, and migratory. It is within this context that we must analyze the Spanish government's change of position, embracing the Moroccan government's thesis on the Sahara. The autonomy initiative presented by Morocco in 2007 is now considered by Spain as the most serious, credible, and realistic basis for resolving the situation in the former colony.
However, amidst these fluctuations, it is imperative to develop courageous policies that transcend short-sighted and, to some extent, contradictory views. We must unequivocally champion the right of people to decide and manage their own resources. As the vice-president of the European Parliament's Intergroup in Support of Western Sahara, representing the Greens/EFA group, this is the stance we have consistently advocated.
Morocco has illegally occupied the Sahara for over 48 years, violating UN resolutions while Western powers have yet to take decisive action to end this breach of international law. We eagerly anticipate the Curia's ruling that will hopefully bring an end to this illegal occupation. Furthermore, we call for a resolute defense of UN agreements to hold a referendum in Western Sahara, allowing the Sahrawis to determine their future.
Complicity with Morocco extends beyond the Spanish border and encompasses the MoroccoGate issue, where European authorities have become accomplices and hostages to Moroccan pressure on migration. This collusion has even obstructed the presentation and approval of resolutions in support of the Sahrawi people within the European Parliament. It is exemplified by the prevention of Saharawi activist Sultana Haya from reaching the final of the Sakharov Awards and the recent denial of residency to another Saharawi fighter, Aminetou Haidar, by the Spanish state. These are the voices of freedom in the face of European abandonment.
Perhaps, metaphorically speaking, we need to engage in Politics with a capital P to create History with a capital H. In this historical narrative, the defense of human rights must extend beyond mere rhetoric, whether it be in the Sahara or in Gaza, where we can no longer be moved solely by perennial refugee camps or the tragic fate of thousands of children murdered by a cowardly army interested only in the extermination of a people.
Free Sahara!
By Ana Miranda, Greens/EFA MEP, European Free Alliance party Vice-President
