Polisario Front condemns Colombia's support for Morocco on Western Sahara

The Polisario Front has strongly condemned Colombia's new government for recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, denouncing the decision as a "regrettable staging of a transactional pact." The group emphasized that Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory awaiting decolonization, whose final status must be determined by the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and independence.

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Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory awaiting decolonization. Its final status can only be determined through the free and genuine exercise of the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and independence... The recognition of the alleged Moroccan sovereignty constitutes, therefore, a decision contrary to the principles of international law.

Ambassador Mohamed Zrug, the Polisario Front's representative for Latin America, stated that recognizing Morocco's claim violates international law and the principles of self-determination. This shift in policy occurred during a meeting between Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, Foreign Minister Omar Bula, and Morocco's Foreign Minister Naser Bourita. The Colombian Foreign Ministry explained the decision aims to revitalize bilateral relations with Morocco, believing it serves Colombia's long-term interests.

This announcement marks a significant reversal for Colombia, which had re-established diplomatic relations with the Sahrawi Republic just four years prior, after a freeze since 2001. Morocco has controlled about 80% of Western Sahara since Spain's withdrawal in 1975 and presented an autonomy plan to the UN in 2007. The Polisario Front argued that Colombia's decision legitimizes a situation arising from military occupation and contradicts Colombia's own constitution, which upholds the self-determination of peoples and respect for international law.

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This decision is particularly contradictory to Article 9 of Colombia's Political Constitution itself, which establishes that the State's foreign relations are based on the recognition of the self-determination of peoples and respect for the principles of international law and international treaties to which Colombia is a party.

The Polisario Front warned that this move could negatively affect international peace and security by hindering UN and African Union efforts for a just resolution. They urged the Colombian government to reconsider its decision and uphold its commitments to peace.

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This announcement may produce negative repercussions for international peace and security by hindering the efforts of the United Nations and the African Union for a just solution in accordance with international law.