International Community Reaffirms Support for Sahrawi Self-Determination

The international community has reaffirmed its support for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, rejecting Morocco's attempts to legitimize its colonial presence in Western Sahara. At the UN General Assembly, several countries expressed their commitment to upholding international law and UN resolutions, which guarantee the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. This development comes amid ongoing efforts to find a solution to the Western Sahara conflict.

The rejection of Morocco's attempts to impose a solution on the Western Sahara conflict has gained momentum. During a debate at the UN General Assembly on November 10 and 11, several countries reiterated their support for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. They emphasized that any solution must be based on international law and UN resolutions. This stance was taken in response to Morocco's attempts to legitimize its colonial presence in Western Sahara.

The Russian veto on October 30 of a UN Security Council resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) highlighted the international community's divisions on the issue. The resolution, which aimed to impose a solution to the conflict, was blocked by Russia's veto. Several countries have since emphasized the need for a just, durable, and mutually acceptable solution that guarantees the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.

Angola has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including the right of peoples to self-determination. The country has emphasized that no unilateral measure or imposed solution can bring a lasting solution to the Western Sahara conflict. Angola has also stressed the importance of finding a just, durable, and mutually acceptable solution that guarantees the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.

Cuba has denounced the exploitation of Western Sahara's natural resources by Morocco, calling for an end to the occupation and the pillage of the territory's resources. Cuba has also emphasized that any unilateral proposal that does not guarantee the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination is contrary to international law and UN resolutions. The country has called for negotiations under UN auspices, with the participation of all concerned parties, including the Polisario Front.

Mexico has expressed its regret over the failure to reach a consensus on renewing the mandate of MINURSO. The country has warned of the consequences of a sudden cessation of the mission in the absence of transitional arrangements. Mexico has emphasized the need for the UN to continue to assume its responsibilities towards the Western Sahara question, including protecting the rights of the Sahrawi people and pursuing efforts to find a just and durable solution.

The Sahrawi people's right to self-determination remains a central issue in the Western Sahara conflict. The international community has reiterated its support for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, rejecting any imposed solution that disregards international law and UN resolutions. The Polisario Front has reaffirmed its rejection of any attempt to legitimize Morocco's colonial presence in Western Sahara.

Key points

• The international community has reaffirmed its support for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.
• Several countries have rejected Morocco's attempts to impose a solution on the Western Sahara conflict.
• The UN must continue to assume its responsibilities towards the Western Sahara question.