Les Etats-Unis doivent soutenir le référendum sur l’autodétermination au Sahara occidental
Summary of John Bolton’s Call for a Referendum on Western Sahara
Introduction
John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Advisor and Ambassador to the United Nations, emphasizes the necessity for the United States to back a referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara. He contends that this move would empower the Sahrawi people to decide their future.
Historical Context
Bolton advocates for a return to the American policy established in 1991, which supported a referendum for the Sahrawis. In a recent op-ed in the Washington Times, he notes that many Congressional members have visited Sahrawi refugee camps, meeting with leaders of the Polisario Front. Bolton insists that more lawmakers should take this step to better understand the Sahrawi people’s plight.
In 1991, the U.S. facilitated the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 690, establishing a peacekeeping operation to supervise a referendum in Western Sahara. This resolution followed a 1988 agreement between the Polisario Front and Morocco, both endorsing the Security Council’s approach.
Challenges to Implementation
Despite initial support, Bolton points out that Morocco quickly began obstructing UN efforts to implement the resolution, fearing that a fair referendum would lead to Sahrawi independence. He recalls attempts by former Secretary of State James Baker, who brought parties back to negotiations through the Houston Accords in 1997. However, Morocco limited its commitments and consistently refused to engage in a referendum it had previously agreed to.
Strategic Implications for the U.S.
Bolton argues that facilitating a self-determination referendum aligns with U.S. interests, highlighting the strategic benefits of a stable resolution to the long-standing conflict. He asserts that the clear solution lies in directly asking the Sahrawis whether they wish to pursue independence.
Conclusion
Reinstating U.S. support for a referendum could pave the way for a resolution to the Western Sahara issue, allowing the Sahrawi people to make a pivotal choice about their sovereignty. Bolton’s insights underscore the importance of revisiting past policies to address current geopolitical challenges effectively.
In this context, supporting the Sahrawi’s right to self-determination emerges not just as a moral imperative but as a strategy that could enhance U.S. diplomatic standing in the region.
