Spain Tightens Border Control, Denying Entry to Polisario Front Supporters
In a move signaling stronger ties with Morocco, Spain has denied entry to a group of individuals expressing support for the Polisario Front, a Saharan independence movement. The individuals, who arrived at Madrid-Barajas Airport using Moroccan passports, were subsequently returned to Morocco. Spanish authorities determined that the group did not meet the criteria for asylum, citing a lack of evidence supporting claims of persecution.
This incident reflects a broader shift in Spanish foreign policy regarding the long-standing Western Sahara conflict. Historically, Spain has maintained a neutral stance, acknowledging the Polisario Front’s right to self-determination while also recognizing Morocco’s claim over the territory. However, recent years have witnessed a strengthening of relations between Spain and Morocco, particularly in areas of trade, security, and immigration control.
This diplomatic realignment reached a turning point in 2022 when Spain publicly endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This proposal, which envisions the territory as an autonomous region within Morocco, has gained international traction as a potential pathway to resolving the decades-long conflict.
The decision to deny entry to Polisario Front supporters underscores Spain’s commitment to its evolving relationship with Morocco. It also highlights the complexities of the Western Sahara issue, which continues to be a source of regional tension and international debate.
While the future of Western Sahara remains uncertain, Spain’s recent actions suggest a firm stance in favor of a negotiated solution that prioritizes stability and cooperation with Morocco.js = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
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