Madrid, Spain – Members of the Sahrawi diaspora and their supporters gathered in Madrid today to protest the anniversary of the Madrid Accords, an agreement they view as detrimental to their aspirations for self-determination. The demonstration served as a powerful reminder of the Sahrawi people’s unwavering commitment to exercising their right to decide their own future.
The protest, which drew participants of all ages and backgrounds, saw demonstrators advocating for the end of Moroccan presence in Western Sahara and expressing their firm belief in the Sahrawi people’s inalienable right to self-determination. Chants echoed through the streets, rejecting any proposed autonomy under Moroccan rule and demanding full independence for Western Sahara.
The Madrid Accords, signed decades ago, continue to be a source of contention for the Sahrawi people, who believe the agreement undermined their right to self-determination by ceding administrative control of the territory to Morocco and Mauritania. Today’s demonstration underscores the enduring legacy of the agreement and its continued impact on the Sahrawi struggle.
Speaking at the rally, Mohamed Laghdaf, a representative of the Sahrawi community in Europe, emphasized the growing awareness within European societies and among the Spanish people regarding the importance of allowing the Sahrawi people to determine their own destiny. He stated, “The Sahrawi community in Europe, and in Spain today, is part of the resounding voice that says no to autonomy and rejects recent proposals.”
Laghdaf further asserted the Sahrawi people’s commitment to peaceful and legitimate means of advocating for their rights, stating, “The struggle of the Sahrawi people has been a fair and clean struggle, and it continues and will continue to be based on what international charters guarantee the Sahrawi people in terms of expression and the use of legitimate methods to defend their rights.” He highlighted the solidarity of Spanish and European supporters, noting their presence across various political and labor movements.
“No right is lost behind a claimant,” Laghdaf concluded, emphasizing the Sahrawi people’s determination to continue advocating for their cause and ensuring their voices are heard. The demonstration on the anniversary of the Madrid Accords serves as a clear indication that the Sahrawi people are resolute in their pursuit of a resolution that aligns with their aspirations for self-determination.
