Western Sahara could follow in Palestine’s UN footsteps

» Mark Moloney

Morocco claims that Western Sahara is an integral part of its territory despite 84 states recognising it as an independent nation

WESTERN SAHARA may follow in Palestine's footsteps and request Observer Status at the United Nations if there is no movement by Morocco to end the occupation of the territory and permit a referendum on independence.

Khatri Eddouh, the chief negotiator of the Polisario Front and President of the Sahara National Council, said he could not rule out applying for UN Observer status. He has also called on Morocco to reasses its occupation of the territory, which is also known as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).

Speaking at a press conference in the Western Sahara embassy in Algiers, Eddouh said the Palestinian victory at the UN was also a psychological boost to the Sahrawi people. Eddouh said the Saharawi people “call now on the international community to act so that the settlement process of the conflict with Morocco is completed on the basis of the respect for right of the Saharawi people to self-determination”.

Earlier this year, a furious Morocco temporarily recalled its ambassador to Ireland in protest after the President of Western Sahara met with senior political figures here in Ireland, including President Michael D Higgins, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore.
Western Sahara is Africa’s longest-running territorial dispute. Originally a Spanish colony, the UN ordered the decolinisation of the region in 1965 and it was subsequently taken over by Morocco. The Polisario Front was set up shortly before the Moroccan occupation of 1975, and in 1979 the organisation was recognised by the UN as the sole representative of the Saharawi people.
Between 1975 and 1991, the Polisario Front fought against both Morocco and Mauritania (backed by France) who claimed ownership over the territory. More than 12,000 people were killed before a ceasefire came into effect in September 1991 and a peace process is ongoing.

Morocco claims that Western Sahara is an integral part of its territory despite 84 states recognising it as an independent nation. While Ireland does not officially recognise the country, it does support the right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination and a referendum on the future of the region.