Global Condemnation of the Smara Attack
The recent terrorist attack on Smara, which occurred on May 5, 2026, has drawn widespread condemnation from various nations, reflecting a significant international consensus against the Polisario Front. Following the swift denunciation by the United States, France, and the European Union, a growing number of countries from Europe, the Arab world, and Africa have expressed their disapproval of the violent act, reiterating their support for Morocco's autonomy plan. This marked a pivotal moment as the calls for a ceasefire are increasingly accompanied by an unambiguous endorsement of Morocco's initiative for self-governance.
The Belgian government was among the first to respond, condemning the attack and urging adherence to the ceasefire as mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025). They emphasized the importance of good faith participation in ongoing negotiations aimed at achieving a just and sustainable resolution to the conflict, in line with the United Nations Charter. The Czech Republic also voiced its condemnation later that day, aligning its stance with Belgium's, while the UK reiterated support for UN and US efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict peacefully.
Additionally, the United Arab Emirates, a steadfast supporter of Morocco's territorial integrity since the inception of the Sahara conflict in the 1970s, labeled the assault as a "criminal act." They were quickly followed by other Arab nations, including Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, all of which reaffirmed their support for Morocco's sovereignty.
In a significant statement, Liberia's permanent representative to the UN highlighted that such acts of violence undermine regional stability and threaten the progress made towards a peaceful resolution as articulated in Morocco's autonomy proposal. Liberia was notably one of the first countries to establish a consulate in the Sahara, recognizing Morocco's sovereignty.
Timeline of International Reactions
Here is a summary of the international responses to the Smara attack:
- Belgium, May 8, 2026, 16:03: "Belgium condemns the recent attack on Smara claimed by the Polisario Front and calls for adherence to the ceasefire stipulated in Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025). We urge all parties to engage in good faith negotiations based on Morocco's autonomy plan for a fair and mutually acceptable resolution to the dispute, consistent with the United Nations Charter."
- Czech Republic, May 8, 2026, 18:41: "The Czech Embassy in Rabat firmly condemns the recent attack on Smara by the Polisario. Escalation must cease in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025), using Morocco's autonomy plan as the basis for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution."
- United Kingdom, May 8, 2026, 20:31: "The UK condemns the Polisario attacks of May 5, which threaten ongoing peace efforts. We support the UN and US initiatives to resolve the Western Sahara conflict in line with Resolution 2797 and encourage all parties to compromise towards a lasting resolution."
- United Arab Emirates, May 8, 2026, 20:52: "The UAE has firmly condemned the terrorist attack on the Moroccan city of Smara. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its strong denunciation of such criminal acts and reiterated its unwavering support for Morocco's legitimate sovereign rights over the Moroccan Sahara, advocating for the maintenance of security and territorial integrity in the region."
- Liberia, May 8, 2026, 22:13: "Liberia condemns the attacks against civilians perpetrated by the Polisario Front in Smara, echoing the concerns of UN Security Council members. This attack highlights the urgent need for a return to the ceasefire, in accordance with Resolution 2797 (2025)."
As reported by medias24.com.
