Political Backlash in Colombia Over Western Sahara Recognition
In a significant political development, approximately 40 lawmakers from Colombia have expressed their strong disapproval of President Abelardo de la Espriella's recent decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. In a public statement, these parliamentarians characterized the Colombian government's stance as "scandalous," arguing that it does not align with the sentiments of the Colombian populace. The lawmakers emphasized that this decision contradicts the previous recognition made by former President Gustavo Petro, who, in August 2022, officially acknowledged the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as a sovereign state, facilitating the appointment of its ambassador and the establishment of its embassy in Bogotá.
Implications of the Legislative Statement
While the lawmakers' statement reflects a significant dissent within the Colombian political landscape, it lacks binding authority over the government's foreign policy, which is primarily under the President's jurisdiction. A majority of Colombian senators, aligning with Morocco's position, had previously rejected President Petro's initiative to restore diplomatic relations with the SADR. In fact, 62 out of the 108 senators expressed their "deep rejection and total disagreement" with the Foreign Ministry's decision to engage with what they refer to as a "separatist movement" claiming statehood. This viewpoint remains prevalent, despite the fact that many nations, including the United Nations, do not recognize the SADR. The latest statement from lawmakers has yet to influence the prevailing stance of the Colombian government under President Abelardo de la Espriella.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
