In the complex geopolitical scenario of Western Sahara in 2023, the Sahrawi people are at a crucial moment in their struggle for independence, tirelessly led by the Polisario Front. This year has witnessed an intricate web ranging from battles on the ground to victories in the courts and global backing in the diplomatic arena.
One of the highlights has been the legal battle in European courts. The victory in the General Court of the European Union in 2021, where it was affirmed that the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement was carried out without the consent of the Sahrawi people, resonates as a crucial achievement. As this agreement faces a judicial assessment for renewal, the Polisario Front eagerly awaits another legal victory, another step towards asserting the Saharawi people’s rights over their natural resources.
However, the narrative goes beyond the legal documents. On the diplomatic stage, international support has been a constant for the Saharawi cause. During the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, leaders from around the world reaffirmed the Saharawi people’s right to self-determination, advocating for a fair referendum that could provide a lasting solution to the conflict. The European Coordination of Support and Solidarity with the Sahrawi People (Eucoco) Conference in Toledo, Spain, brought together over 300 participants from around the world to advocate for justice and a return to Spain’s historic position on Western Sahara.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the emergence of the Polisario Front and the beginning of the Saharawi armed struggle against the Spanish coloniser and later against the Moroccan occupation. This significant milestone has been an opportunity for the Saharawi people to renew their vow to persevere in the struggle until final victory is achieved.
As 2023 draws to a close, all eyes are on the European Court of Justice, whose verdict on the renewal of the fisheries agreement and other judicial developments could shape the future of the Saharawi struggle. This complex narrative, where resistance persists, legal victories accumulate and the quest for independence remains at the core of the Western Sahara narrative, represents a crucial chapter in the history of this evolving region. Join the Sahrawi resistance on this profound journey towards freedom and justice.
