“Today, we proclaim the establishment of the Sahrawi Democratic Republic as an undeniable truth and an irreversible political reality, embodying our people’s will for freedom and independence.”
— El Wali Mustafa Sayed, Proclamation of the Sahrawi Republic, February 27, 1976.
On February 27, 2025, the Sahrawi people commemorate the 49th anniversary of the declaration of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)—a historic milestone symbolizing their long struggle for freedom and independence. This anniversary comes amidst ongoing repression, arrests, and severe human rights violations in the occupied territories, reflecting Morocco’s continued denial of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
The Declaration of the Sahrawi Republic and Its Stages of Establishment
On February 27, 1976, just one day after the last Spanish soldier withdrew from Western Sahara, El Wali Mustafa Sayed, on behalf of the Polisario Front, declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as a sovereign state, affirming the Sahrawi people’s unwavering commitment to independence.
1. The Struggle Against Spanish Colonialism (1957-1975)
Western Sahara had been under Spanish colonial rule since 1884, during which the Sahrawi people faced marginalization and exploitation. As liberation movements emerged across Africa, the Polisario Front was founded on May 10, 1973, launching an armed struggle against Spanish occupation and forcing Madrid to negotiate the region’s future.
2. The Madrid Accords (1975) and the Betrayal of Self-Determination
Instead of organizing a referendum on self-determination as required by UN resolutions, Spain signed the Madrid Accords on November 14, 1975, transferring Western Sahara to Morocco and Mauritania, completely disregarding the Sahrawi people’s legal and historical rights.
3. The Proclamation of the Sahrawi Republic (February 27, 1976)
In response, the Polisario Front proclaimed the SADR as a step towards resisting the new occupation. The armed struggle continued against both Morocco and Mauritania, leading to Mauritania’s withdrawal from the southern part of Western Sahara in 1979. However, Morocco persisted in occupying the region through military force, escalating the conflict.
Current Challenges and Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Territories
Nearly five decades after the declaration of the Sahrawi Republic, the Sahrawi people continue to endure occupation and oppression. In the occupied territories, Sahrawi activists face severe human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and unfair trials. Additionally, Morocco continues to exploit Western Sahara’s natural resources without benefiting the indigenous population.
International Recognition and Political Stalemate
Despite the ongoing occupation, the Sahrawi Republic (SADR) has been recognized by over 80 countries worldwide and has been a founding member of the African Union since 1984. Furthermore, UN resolutions and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirm the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. However, international political inaction has prolonged the deadlock, preventing a just resolution.
The Struggle for Independence Continues
The 49th anniversary of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) is a moment to reaffirm the resilience of the Sahrawi people and their unwavering determination to achieve full independence. As El Wali Mustafa Sayed declared in his historic speech, the SADR is an undeniable truth and an irreversible political reality. The Sahrawi people will continue their legitimate struggle until victory is achieved.
Glory to the Martyrs! Freedom and Independence for the Sahrawi People!
