Morocco blocks pro-Polisario activists from Western Sahara
Authorities in Laayoune, Morocco have banned three Spanish citizens from entering the Western Sahara due to their support for Polisario Front.
According to Hespress on March 15th, lawyers Maria Dolores and Flora Ramos and politician Silvestre Manuel Suarez were denied entry via Hassan I Airport in the Western Saharan region of the country.
The three Spanish citizens were deported from Morocco immediately, being placed on the return flight back to Las Palmas airport.
Morocco has been firm on its stance against any attempts to contradict national sovereignty.
Morocco has gained support from major European nations, including Spain and France in recent years, as they try and secure their hold over the Western Saharan region.
However, there has been opposition to Morocco’s claims to having autonomy over the region.
Earlier this year, an Algerian minister made a first official visit to Spain since 2022 after the North African country had protested against Spanish support for Morocco’s claims to the Western Saharan region, as reported by Maghrebi on February 25th.
Algeria has long supported the Polisario Front, who represent the native Saharan population.
The three Spanish citizens were denied entry due to their political affiliations with Polisario Front.
This followed increased efforts by European politicians and activists to enter the Western Sahara in the last few months.
In February, authorities expelled four Members of the European Parliament after they tried to enter Laayoune.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita dismissed the attempt by the members of the European Parliament as a “disruptive move with no impact”, stressing that all visits must adhere to the regulatory procedures.
Morocco has been consistent in its position on unregulated visits to the Western Saharan region.
In 2013 they barred European MPs from entering the Sahara, claiming that an institutional framework within the EU should regulate such visits.
Any official or group with an affiliation to the Polisario Front are prevented from entering Laayone.
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