In a shocking stance that reflects the contradiction between France’s democratic slogans and its realpolitik approach in international politics, France has adopted a policy of supporting autonomy in Western Sahara. This decision has sparked significant controversy in global circles. This move not only ignores the Sahrawi people’s demands for self-determination but also serves as a green light for Morocco to commit widespread human rights violations against Sahrawi activists.
French Support for Autonomy: A Green Light for Human Rights Violations
Since 1975, when Morocco occupied Western Sahara, France has been a key player in reinforcing this occupation. French diplomacy has supported Morocco’s policy of imposing autonomy on Western Sahara instead of honoring the UN’s plan for a referendum. President Emmanuel Macron’s recent statements further solidify this stance, which many analysts see as complicity with the Moroccan regime in repressing Sahrawi rights.
By supporting autonomy as an alternative to the self-determination referendum, France disregards the Sahrawi people’s fundamental right to determine their own future. This position is in stark contrast to the values France traditionally champions regarding human rights and democracy. France, historically, has been a protector of minority rights worldwide, but today, it stands silent or supports a policy of repression carried out by the Moroccan government against the Sahrawis.
Macron: A Partner in Bloodshed and Suffering
President Macron’s stance in supporting autonomy is tantamount to staining his hands with the blood of the Sahrawi people. Instead of standing up for human rights, justice, and equality, Macron chooses the path of complicity with a regime that engages in the most brutal violations against Sahrawi civilians. From arbitrary arrests to torture and extrajudicial killings, Sahrawis suffer vicious oppression by Moroccan authorities, with French approval.
In this context, France has proven it values its political and economic interests with Morocco over the lives and rights of innocent people. This stance is not only contributing to the deterioration of the human rights situation in Western Sahara but is also a betrayal of the principles France once sought to promote globally.
France and Its Colonial History: A Responsibility That Cannot Be Forgotten
France must bear its historical responsibility regarding Western Sahara. When France left its former colonies in North Africa, it left behind a complex colonial legacy in the region, and it should have been more sensitive to the rights of the peoples in these lands. France’s current support for the autonomy plan in Western Sahara repeats the sins of the past, reinforcing an illegal occupation that continues to harm the Sahrawi people.
Through these actions, France has given a “gift” to the Moroccan monarchy, paving the way for further dictatorship under King Mohammed VI. This support legitimizes oppression and facilitates the continuation of autocratic policies in the region. In this light, it can be said that France has become an actual partner in this occupation, despite what it should represent: freedom and justice.
France: A Threat to Its Democratic Image
This policy France adopts will not only deepen the suffering of the Sahrawi people but will also have a detrimental impact on France’s democratic image worldwide. France, which boasts about human rights and freedoms, is now seen as a supporter of oppressive regimes that violate these very rights. Therefore, its stance on Western Sahara jeopardizes its credibility on the international stage. How can France promote democracy and minority protection while supporting occupation and injustice in Western Sahara?
Betrayal of Values: Supporting Autonomy in Western Sahara
France’s stance can be described as a profound betrayal of the values it has historically upheld. It is a betrayal of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, a betrayal of its international commitments, and, above all, a betrayal of human rights. This position will remain a stain on France’s history, one that will not be easily forgiven by the peoples living under occupation or oppressive regimes.
Independence for Western Sahara: The Only Path to Justice
In these circumstances, the struggle of the Sahrawi people for freedom and independence continues. No political decision can alter the fact that Western Sahara remains a colonized land, and the Sahrawi people have the right to determine their future. France’s current stance contradicts the ethical and democratic standards it promotes worldwide, and it will not deter the Sahrawi people from continuing their struggle for independence and freedom.
In conclusion, France’s support for autonomy in Western Sahara is a dangerous step that threatens to undermine its global reputation, placing it on the side of oppressive regimes. Macron, by supporting Morocco’s stance, stains his hands with the blood of the innocent and betrays the values France has long championed.
MOHAMED EL HAMDI Translation by sahararepublic.com
