Des associations espagnoles dénoncent la réaffirmation par Madrid de son soutien au plan expansionniste du Maroc au Sahara occidental
Rejection of Spain’s Support for Morocco’s Expansionism in Western Sahara
In Madrid, several Spanish associations have openly condemned recent statements made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding Spain’s backing of Morocco’s expansionist agenda in Western Sahara. They assert that such support is “illegal” and contravenes international law.
In a joint statement, organizations including “Alouda Cantabrie,” the Human Rights Observatory for Western Sahara in the autonomous region of Cantabria, and "Cantabrie pour le Sahara occidental," emphasize that the Spanish government’s stance is both illegal and ethically unsound, as it violates international laws and United Nations resolutions that recognize the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
The groups point out that Spain’s endorsement of Morocco’s controversial “autonomy plan” disregards the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and independence, which should be the central aim of any discussion concerning their future. They lament that this position pulls Madrid away from moral principles, suggesting that it aligns more with self-serving interests that overlook the wishes of the majority of Spanish citizens.
The associations express their frustration and question the motivations behind the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) government’s alignment with Moroccan proposals. They urge PSOE activists, many of whom are supportive of the Sahrawi cause, to speak out against their government’s position. “Activists from the PSOE, who have welcomed Sahrawi representatives into their homes and the Parliament, must raise their voices at the highest levels of the party,” they stress.
Furthermore, the groups have called upon the parties that either comprise the current governmental alliance or support it, to break their silence and exert pressure on the PSOE to rectify this stance. They caution that failure to act would make these parties complicit in the Spanish government’s actions.
The associations also highlight the long-standing struggle of the Sahrawi people, who have endured over fifty years of resistance after being expelled from their territories, which are still illegally occupied by Morocco. They assert that they will not remain passive in the face of their government’s endorsement of what they characterize as illegal military occupation.
In this regard, they reaffirm their support for the Polisario Front as the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people, a status acknowledged by the United Nations and European courts. They also raise concerns about Morocco’s exploitation of Sahrawi natural resources, warning against the pillaging of their land.
Overall, these organizations advocate for a re-evaluation of Spain’s approach to Western Sahara, urging officials and public figures to prioritize the principle of self-determination for the Sahrawi people and uphold international law. Their statements serve not only as a critique of the government’s current policies but also as a rallying call for solidarity and action in support of Sahrawi rights.
