Western Sahara: Spain’s Retreat from Supporting Autonomy and the Resilience of a Just Cause
By: MOHAMED EL HAMDI
translated by sahararepublic.com
The issue of Western Sahara is not merely a political conflict but a cry from a people striving to liberate their land and reclaim their dignity. Amid rapid developments on the international stage, the recent statement by the Spanish Interior Minister revealed Spain’s retreat from supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, along with its refusal to hand over airspace control to Morocco. As a Sahrawi activist, I see this step as a gesture loaded with profound political implications, signifying that our continuous struggle is bearing fruit.
Spain: An Inescapable Historical Responsibility
Spain, which planted the seeds of this conflict when it abandoned Western Sahara in 1975 under the illegal Madrid Accords, bears a historical and moral responsibility toward the Sahrawi people. Its retreat from supporting autonomy is not a fleeting stance but an implicit acknowledgment that its previous support deviated from justice and international legitimacy. Western Sahara does not belong to Morocco or Spain; it is the land of its people, the sole rightful owners of the decision over its fate.
Airspace: A Symbol of Sovereignty and a Tool of Resistance
Spain’s refusal to hand over airspace control to Morocco reflects a relative respect for international legitimacy and confirms that Western Sahara remains a non-self-governing territory under international law. Airspace is not merely a domain controlled by a specific party; it is a symbol of sovereignty and a tool exploited by colonial and occupying forces to consolidate their influence. With this decision, Spain sends a clear message: Western Sahara is not part of Morocco.
The Messages of Our Struggle to the World
The Sahrawi struggle, which began decades ago, is built on unwavering principles and an inalienable right. Our message to the world is clear:
- No compromise on self-determination: The autonomy proposal is an attempt to legitimize Moroccan occupation, and we strongly reject it. We demand a free and fair referendum where our people can decide their destiny.
- Persistent struggle is the key to freedom: Despite repeated attempts to silence our voice, we will never stop demanding our legitimate rights.
- Spain and the international community are accountable: Spain, as the former colonial power, must take a bolder stance in defending our right, and the world must raise its voice against Moroccan violations.
A Message to Morocco: Justice Never Dies
To Morocco, we say: Occupation does not establish sovereignty, and force does not create legitimacy. The land of Western Sahara will remain resistant to annexation and oppression, and its people will not yield to your attempts. Your bet on time to extinguish our struggle is a losing one because we firmly believe that justice will prevail.
The Significance of This Historic Moment
As a Sahrawi activist, I view Spain’s retreat as a historic opportunity to intensify our efforts on all fronts:
- Diplomatically: Exposing Moroccan violations and rallying international support for the Sahrawi cause.
- In the media: Amplifying the voice of our people globally and rejecting Moroccan misinformation.
- Through resistance: Strengthening our people’s resilience in the camps and occupied territories and continuing peaceful resistance.
Victory Is Near
Spain’s retreat from supporting autonomy and its refusal to hand over airspace to Morocco is just the beginning of a larger change on the horizon. As Sahrawi people, we will never relinquish our rights or cease our struggle until our land is liberated and our independent state is established.
Western Sahara is not for sale, and the right to self-determination is not a choice—it is a duty and a right we will never abandon.
Victory is near, no matter how long it takes or how severe the oppression becomes.
Spain did the right thing, and we fully stand behind that decision