Spain’s Socialist Party Solidifies Support for UN-Led Western Sahara Resolution
The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) has signaled a significant shift in its stance on the Western Sahara conflict, dealing a political blow to the Polisario Front. This evolved position, highlighted in the party’s new political document adopted during its 41st Congress, emphasizes support for a UN-brokered solution, moving away from previous endorsements of a self-determination referendum long championed by the Polisario and Algeria.
This shift, spearheaded by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, underscores a growing international consensus favoring a realistic and pragmatic approach to resolving the decades-long dispute. The PSOE’s commitment to the UN process aligns with recent Security Council resolutions, such as Resolution 2654 (2022), which reaffirms the UN’s role as the exclusive framework for negotiations. This resolution, like others before it, calls for a “realistic, pragmatic, durable, and compromise-based political solution” – a clear departure from the previously emphasized referendum option. international diplomacy surrounding the Western Sahara. Several countries, including the United States, Germany, and Spain, have expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, presented in 2007, as a serious and credible basis for negotiations. This plan proposes significant self-governance for the region within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. Link to information on the Autonomy Plan
The move away from the referendum option acknowledges the complexities and practical challenges associated with its implementation. Determining voter eligibility in a territory with shifting demographics and historical migratory patterns has proven a significant obstacle. Furthermore, the focus on a mutually acceptable compromise reflects a growing understanding that a winner-take-all approach is unlikely to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
The PSOE’s decision carries significant weight, given Spain’s historical ties to the Western Sahara. As the former colonial power, Spain retains a special interest in the region’s future. This policy shift could encourage other European nations to reassess their positions and further solidify international support for the UN-led process.
This evolving political landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. While the Polisario Front faces increasing pressure to engage constructively in the UN process, the renewed focus on a negotiated settlement offers a pathway towards a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Western Sahara. The international community’s continued support for the UN’s efforts remains crucial in achieving this goal. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this shift in diplomatic momentum can translate into tangible progress towards a lasting resolution.fbevents.js’);
fbq(‘init’, ‘600060486815487’);
fbq(‘track’, ‘PageView’);
