Celebrating a Long-standing Dream of Independence
Sahrawi refugees in the Tindouf camps of Algeria gathered on April 8 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), a state that continues to represent the aspirations of its people. Ahmed Mahmud, director of the film school in the camps, expressed the enduring hope of the Sahrawis, stating, "A state in which the Sahrawis continue to place their dreams, they continue to fight for that dream for which they have endured these 50 years." The commemorative event was initially scheduled for February 27, coinciding with the SADR's declaration by the Polisario Front, but was postponed due to the sacred month of Ramadan.
Brahim Gali, the leader of the Polisario and president of the SADR, which remains unrecognized by the United Nations yet is a member of the African Union, proclaimed in his speech that "the Sahrawi people will continue their struggle by all legitimate means until achieving independence." The official platform was graced by international delegations, including representatives from Algeria, a staunch supporter of the Sahrawi cause, Mauritania, South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Venezuela, all voicing solidarity with the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.
A Display of Resilience and Commitment
The celebrations featured parades by the so-called Sahrawi People's Liberation Army, showcasing formations of foot soldiers and military equipment used in their struggle against Morocco, which currently occupies most of Western Sahara. Mahmud emphasized that the festivities underscored the Sahrawi people's persistent stance against occupation and their unwavering demand for total independence, rejecting any notion of Moroccan autonomy.
This commemoration occurs at a critical juncture, as the Polisario Front seeks to rally its popular bases and reaffirm its political and military presence, especially following the collapse of the ceasefire with Morocco in November 2020. The United Nations continues to classify the former Spanish colony as a "non-self-governing territory" awaiting decolonization, while the Polisario insists that a self-determination referendum is the only viable solution to the conflict. Conversely, Morocco proposes autonomy for Western Sahara within its borders, a plan that has been considered in peace negotiations, as indicated in the latest UN Security Council resolution dated October 31.
In his closing remarks during the celebrations, Gali reiterated, "Self-determination and independence is the only path to achieving lasting and just peace."
As reported by laconexionusa.com.
