The United Nations’ Fourth Committee on Decolonization has reaffirmed the status of Western Sahara as a territory undergoing decolonization, dealing a blow to Morocco’s claims over the region. This decision, made during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, has been hailed as a significant victory for the Polisario Front, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic’s (SADR) liberation movement, and a reaffirmation of international law.
Sidi Mohammed Amar, the Polisario Front’s representative to the UN and coordinator with MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara), welcomed the committee’s resolution. He described it as a “clear response to the propaganda of the Moroccan occupation and its attempts to bypass international legitimacy.” The resolution underscores the UN’s continued commitment to the self-determination of the Sahrawi people.
The Western Sahara dispute has been ongoing for decades. Morocco claims sovereignty over the territory, while the Polisario Front seeks independence for the Sahrawi people. The UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory, meaning its people have the right to self-determination. MINURSO was established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and organize a referendum on the territory’s future, but the referendum has yet to take place due to disagreements over voter eligibility.
The Fourth Committee’s decision emphasizes the importance of adhering to international law and respecting the Sahrawi people’s right to choose their own destiny. It also puts pressure on Morocco to engage in meaningful negotiations with the Polisario Front, under UN auspices, to find a just and lasting solution to the conflict. The Sahrawi people continue to call for a free and fair referendum, allowing them to exercise their right to self-determination and finally resolve the issue of Western Sahara. The UN’s stance reinforces the need for peaceful resolution and adherence to international legal frameworks in addressing the Western Sahara question, a crucial step towards stability in the region. The focus remains on facilitating a process where the Sahrawi people can freely express their will regarding their future.
Related: More news articles on DZWatch
Source: External reference
