A conference was held in Villena, Spain, to discuss Western Sahara's right to self-determination. The event, titled "Western Sahara, the last colony in Africa," was organized by the University of Alicante and brought together supporters of the Sahrawi people and members of the Sahrawi community in the region. The conference featured speakers Lahbib Ali Salem, Felipe Briones, and Angela Carrillo, who discussed the historical context of Spanish colonization and its ongoing impact.
The conference speakers addressed the historical foundations of Spanish colonization in Western Sahara and the country's ongoing responsibilities regarding the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and independence. They also discussed the situation of Sahrawis in occupied territories, human rights abuses, and the exploitation of natural resources by Morocco. The role of Sahrawi women in the national liberation struggle was also highlighted.
The conference participants reaffirmed the Sahrawi people's determination to continue their struggle for freedom and independence. They also expressed concerns about the limitations of UN action in enforcing international law and the right to self-determination. A debate followed the conference, with participants raising questions about the historical, political, and legal aspects of the Sahrawi cause.
In a related development, Pierre Bell-Lloch, the mayor of Vitry-sur-Seine, France, has called on the French government not to support a US resolution on Western Sahara in its current form. Bell-Lloch expressed concerns that the resolution would legitimize Morocco's autonomy plan and undermine the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. He also warned that changes to the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara's mandate could weaken the peace process.
Bell-Lloch emphasized that the French government should prioritize the right to self-determination and not compromise on democratic principles for economic or diplomatic interests. He urged the government to be consistent in its positions and international commitments. The mayor also highlighted the importance of a peaceful solution based on democratic principles and respect for the Sahrawi people's aspirations.
Meanwhile, a forum in Leipzig, Germany, discussed the legal, political, humanitarian, and environmental aspects of the Western Sahara issue. The forum, organized by the Sahrawi Youth Forum, featured speakers Hassan Miled Ali and El Houcine Saâd Bouh, who presented on the legal status of Western Sahara and human rights abuses. They emphasized the need to address the ongoing decolonization process and the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.
The speakers at the Leipzig forum highlighted that Western Sahara has been on the UN list of non-self-governing territories since 1963. They stressed that the territory's status remains tied to the completion of the decolonization process, in accordance with international law and UN resolutions. The forum provided a platform for discussion on the ongoing challenges facing the Sahrawi people and the need for international support.
Key points
- The conference in Spain and the forum in Leipzig highlight the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about Western Sahara's right to self-determination and the challenges faced by the Sahrawi people under Moroccan occupation.
