In a recent development, the Polisario Front has expressed strong disapproval of the Colombian government's decision to recognize Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, deeming it an unfortunate demonstration of a transactional agreement. The ambassador of the Polisario Front to Latin America, Mohamed Zrug, articulated that "Western Sahara is a non-autonomous territory awaiting decolonization. Its final status can only be determined through the free and genuine exercise of the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and independence. Thus, recognizing the purported Moroccan sovereignty is contrary to international law principles." This condemnation highlights the ongoing tension surrounding the contested region and the implications of Colombia's policy shift.
The announcement made on Friday followed a meeting between Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, Foreign Minister Omar Bula, and Morocco's Foreign Affairs Minister, Naser Bourita, who participated in the inauguration ceremony of President Abelardo de la Espriella in Cali. The Colombian Foreign Ministry elucidated that this decision aims to revitalize the relationship between Colombia and Morocco, based on a long-term vision and the belief that bilateral engagement will serve the nation's interests fully. This marks a significant turnaround in Colombia's stance on Western Sahara, as just four years ago, under President Gustavo Petro, the country re-established diplomatic ties with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which had been frozen since 2001.
Since Spain's withdrawal in 1975, Morocco has maintained control over approximately 80% of Western Sahara and presented an autonomy plan to the United Nations in 2007, asserting its sovereignty over the territory. In a statement, the Polisario Front emphasized that the new Colombian government's position legitimizes a situation arising from military occupation in a territory still awaiting decolonization. They pointed out that this decision contradicts Article 9 of Colombia's Political Constitution, which asserts that the state's foreign relations are based on recognizing the self-determination of peoples and respecting international law principles and treaties to which Colombia is a party.
The Polisario Front warned that this announcement could have negative repercussions for international peace and security by obstructing the efforts of the United Nations and the African Union to achieve a just solution in accordance with international law. Additionally, they urged the new Colombian government to reconsider its decision and uphold its obligations as a key player in the pursuit of peace. Colombia established diplomatic relations with the Sahrawi Republic in 1985 during Belisario Betancur's presidency, but these ties were severed in 2001 during Andrés Pastrana's administration, until Petro resumed them in August 2022 following discussions with the Sahrawi Foreign Minister and Ambassador Mohamed Zrug.
As reported by efe.com.
