King Mohammed VI’s Sahara Speech Draws Polisario Response

"In recent years, we have made great breakthroughs at the regional and international levels, all of which have been favorable to the just and legitimate position of the Kingdom on the Moroccanness of the Sahara. [...] Likewise, We salute the clear and responsible position of Spain, this neighboring country that knows perfectly well the origin and the true nature of this conflict. [...] As for certain countries that are among our partners, traditional or new, whose positions on the Sahara issue are ambiguous, We expect them to clarify and review the substance of their positioning, in a way that leaves no room for any ambiguity," said King Mohammed VI in his speech.

This passage did not fail to elicit a reaction from the Polisario. In a statement signed by Abdulah Arabi, the Polisario’s delegate in Spain, the separatist movement believes that Western Sahara remains one of the 17 non-self-governing territories awaiting decolonization and, consequently, Spain remains the administering power of the last colony in Africa. "Spain must assume the clarity and strength of international law with regard to the Western Sahara issue, but unfortunately, it has chosen to ignore and not take into account the provisions of international law and international legality." According to the Polisario, any position contrary to international law further complicates the situation and removes any possibility of peace and stability in a region of vital importance for Europe and Spain.

For the separatist movement, the settlement of the Sahara issue undoubtedly passes through the referendum or the independence of the territory. Solutions that are no longer mentioned, nor feasible, given the evolution of the issue at the United Nations Security Council.