Since its introduction in 2007, with support from France, Morocco's proposed autonomy plan for Western Sahara has faced significant criticism, raising serious questions about its credibility and true intentions. This plan, condensed into just three and a half pages, appears more like a propaganda tool than a serious proposal to resolve such a complex conflict.
A Proposal Lacking Credibility
One of the main criticisms of this plan is its lack of depth. How can a conflict of this magnitude be addressed with such a superficial proposal? Moreover, this plan was never presented to the Polisario Front, the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people, as recognized by the United Nations in numerous resolutions (notably Resolutions 34/37 of 1979 and 35/19 of 1980). This refusal to engage in direct dialogue reflects blatant disregard for the Sahrawis and their inalienable right to self-determination.
A Legal Contradiction: How Can Morocco Offer Autonomy?
A fundamental issue often overlooked is that Morocco does not possess sovereignty over Western Sahara. The United Nations classifies the territory as "non-self-governing," pending a process of self-determination. How can Morocco claim to offer autonomy to a people over a territory it has no legal right to govern? Sovereignty over Western Sahara belongs solely to the Sahrawi people, making Morocco's proposal a legal and ethical contradiction. This raises serious questions about Morocco's intentions and the credibility of its plan, which seems more like an attempt to impose a fait accompli rather than a genuine solution.
A Strategy of Avoidance
Rather than engaging in sincere dialogue with the Sahrawis, the primary stakeholders in the conflict, Morocco has chosen to present its plan to major Western powers, particularly France and the United States. This strategy of bypassing the Sahrawi people aims to secure international legitimacy while ignoring their aspirations.
This approach blatantly contradicts a 2002 legal opinion by Hans Corell, then UN Legal Counsel, which stated that exploiting Western Sahara's natural resources without the consent of the Sahrawis violates international law. Despite this, Morocco continues to benefit from the exploitation of Sahrawi resources, often with the complicity of international actors.
A Maneuver to Prolong the Conflict
The autonomy plan is not designed to resolve the conflict but rather to extend the status quo. By promoting unilateral initiatives, Morocco seeks to consolidate its control over the territory while continuing to exploit its natural resources. This strategy directly opposes repeated calls from the United Nations to hold a referendum on self-determination, as outlined in the 1991 ceasefire agreement.
Complicity of Western Powers
Western powers, particularly France and the United States, play a key role in sustaining this impasse. France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, regularly blocks resolutions critical of Morocco. This political support is coupled with economic complicity, particularly in the exploitation of Western Sahara's natural resources.
The territory is rich in resources such as phosphate, fishing zones, and renewable energy. These attract Western companies that, by signing agreements with Morocco, become complicit in the illegal plundering of Sahrawi resources. For instance, phosphate extracted from the Bou Craa mines is exported through the port of Laâyoune, under Moroccan control, in violation of international law.
Ignoring Sahrawi Rights
According to the UN Charter (Article 73), all non-self-governing territories must be granted inalienable rights, including the right to freely decide their future. By proposing an autonomy plan without directly consulting the Sahrawi people, Morocco violates these fundamental principles, as well as UN Security Council resolutions (notably Resolutions 2414 and 2440) that call for a mutually acceptable solution.
Ignoring a Sustainable Solution
The only legitimate resolution to the Western Sahara conflict lies in a referendum on self-determination, a demand that has been recognized for decades. Attempts to bypass this core right through initiatives like the autonomy plan only delay justice and perpetuate the suffering of the Sahrawi people.
Conclusion
Morocco's 2007 autonomy plan is an illusion designed to legitimize an illegal occupation and prolong an unresolved conflict. How can Morocco claim to offer autonomy when it holds no sovereignty over Western Sahara? Sovereignty belongs exclusively to the Sahrawi people, who alone have the right to decide their future.
Complicit powers, by supporting this initiative, disregard the fundamental rights of the Sahrawis and contribute to an unjust status quo. A sustainable solution, aligned with international law, can only be achieved by respecting the will of the Sahrawi people through a fair and transparent referendum.
Belgacem Merbah
Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara:
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