Sahrawi Peace Movement backs Morocco’s Western Sahara claim
Morocco’s claim to the hotly contested Western Sahara has been backed by the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) ), marking a significant shift in the long-standing dispute, according to a Spanish language website. More broadly, it could signal a turn from idealistic demands for self-determination to a more pragmatic solution.
The MSP, a political organization advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara conflict, has called upon the Polisario Front to reconsider its stance and engage in constructive dialogue, according to Moroccan-friendly Atalayer on May 20.
In an interview with Maroc Hebdo magazine, Hach Ahmed Bericalla, the leader of the MSP, emphasized the need for a practical solution to end the protracted conflict that has plagued the Sahrawi people for decades.
“For the future, there are only two paths: to be consistent and realistic, and to commit to a possible political solution… or to suffer the same fate as the PKK in Turkey or ETA in Spain. I hope that common sense will prevail,” Bericalla pointed out.
The group highlighted Morocco’s autonomy plan, which grants the Western Sahara self-governance under Moroccan Sovereignty, and offers a realistic framework for lasting peace and development in the region.
It criticized the Polisario Front’s continued insistence on a referendum for independence, arguing that this has time and again led to a stalemate, prolonging the suffering of Sahrawi refugees.
This is especially the case for those in the Tindouf camps in Algeria, where clashes between rival armed gangs are commonplace.
“Times and attitudes have changed, and for most people, Polisario independence is no longer a dream or a cause worth shedding blood for.”
International support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative is high, with several countries and organizations recognizing it as a realistic solution to the Western Sahara conflict. The MSP’s endorsement adds momentum, signaling a potential shift towards a pragmatic approach among Sahrawi factions instead of self-determination.
This comes as Algeria grows increasingly internationally isolated in its support for the Polisario Front’s bid for independence. The MSP has called for the country to “distance itself from the radical positions of the Polisario” and expressed willingness to engage in dialogues with Algiers to explain their project.
The MSP concluded its statement with a call for unity among the Sahrawi people, imploring the international community to work collaboratively towards a peaceful resolution.
Atalayer/ Maghrebi
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