Mettre fin au conflit au Sahara occidental sera dans l’intérêt des Etats-Unis
Summary of the Peace Appeal for Western Sahara
The American NGO Defense Forum Foundation (DFF) has issued a compelling appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to take decisive action to end the decades-long conflict in Western Sahara. The president of DFF, Suzanne Scholte, argues that resolving this protracted issue would serve U.S. interests by promoting prosperity and stability in a strategically important region abundant in natural resources. In her letter published on allAfrica.com, she stresses that American involvement in peace efforts would exemplify the nation’s commitment to its foundational principles.
Importance of Resolution
Scholte underscores that a peaceful conclusion to the conflict would not only benefit geopolitical relations but also provide hope for the Sahrawi people living in refugee camps who long to return home. She queries whether the U.S. administration will seize this opportunity to save lives and enhance freedom and prosperity for the Sahrawis, who have been living under what she describes as brutal occupation.
Human Rights Concerns
Scholte has expressed grave concerns over the ongoing human rights abuses faced by the Sahrawis in regions occupied by Morocco. She cites the U.S. State Department’s documentation of these persistent violations, corroborated by humanitarian organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Freedom House consistently ranks occupied Western Sahara as one of the worst places to live, reflecting the dire situation.
Despite resolutions passed by the United Nations back in 1991 that were intended to lead to a referendum on self-determination, progress has been stagnant. Scholte emphasizes that the Sahrawis reject proposals from Morocco for an autonomy plan, insisting they will not live under occupation.
Critique of Lobbying Efforts
In her analysis, Scholte raises concerns about lobbying efforts in the U.S. that advocate for Morocco’s annexation of Western Sahara. She claims that some lobbyists are financially incentivized to sway congressional support in favor of Moroccan interests, overlooking historical facts and the ongoing persecution faced by the Sahrawi people.
Direct Engagement with Sahrawi Leadership
To further highlight the plight of Sahrawis, a high-level delegation from DFF has recently visited Sahrawi refugee camps, engaging with senior officials of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). This direct engagement aims to bring attention to the Sahrawi cause and promote dialogue about potential paths forward.
Conclusion
In summary, the Defense Forum Foundation calls on American leadership to champion the resolution of the Western Sahara conflict, citing potential benefits for both regional stability and U.S. interests. As Scholte articulates, peace in Western Sahara is not merely a diplomatic objective; it’s an opportunity to assert America’s commitment to human rights and justice. The foundation’s actions reflect a broader commitment to humanitarian advocacy and the hope for a peaceful resolution that honors the aspirations of the Sahrawi people.
