Foreign Powers Exploit Western Sahara’s Resources With The Help of Moroccan Occupation

Morocco’s exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources, coupled with its so-called autonomy proposal, is a glaring affront to international law and human rights. This proposal, heralded as a “realistic” solution to the Western Sahara conflict, is nothing more than a cynical rebranding of occupation—a maneuver designed to deny the Sahrawi people their undeniable right to self-determination while masquerading as a diplomatic effort.

At its core, the Moroccan autonomy plan fundamentally undermines the Sahrawi people’s inalienable right to self-determination, a principle enshrined in the UN Charter and various international treaties. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has unequivocally stated that there are no legal ties of sovereignty between Morocco and Western Sahara. Sovereignty must be determined by the people of the territory, not imposed by external powers wielding economic interests.

The autonomy proposal lacks any semblance of credibility. Morocco’s monarchy maintains a tight grip on power, with constitutional restrictions that prevent any genuine democratization or political freedoms for the Sahrawis. Furthermore, the Moroccan government has shown no willingness to implement meaningful decentralization within its own borders, rendering the idea of “regional autonomy” a mere façade—an empty promise designed to placate international critics while maintaining control over the territory.

The 1991 UN-brokered peace agreement envisioned a referendum that would allow Sahrawis to choose between independence, integration with Morocco, or autonomy. Morocco initially acquiesced to this framework but has since obstructed any efforts to hold a credible vote, effectively eliminating independence as a viable option. This is not negotiation; it is blackmail. The Sahrawi people, represented by the Frente POLISARIO, continue to demand the referendum they were promised, and their voices must not be silenced.

It is imperative to recognize that the few countries supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan often do so driven by ruthless commercial interests and greed, rather than a commitment to the Sahrawi people. Their backing prioritizes immediate economic gains over the fundamental rights and aspirations of the Sahrawis, perpetuating a system of exploitation that deepens their suffering. This complicity must be condemned as it undermines the very fabric of justice and morality in international relations.

The disregard for Sahrawi voices in the autonomy discourse is particularly alarming. The overwhelming majority of Sahrawis, both in the occupied territories and in refugee camps, staunchly reject Morocco’s proposal, viewing it as a capitulation rather than a compromise. Peace cannot be imposed through intimidation; it must be founded on genuine consent. To impose autonomy without a referendum is an outright denial of the Sahrawis’ political agency and rights.

The European Union (EU) has a critical role to play in this scenario. A just and lasting solution in Western Sahara aligns with the EU’s proclaimed values and serves its strategic interests. Stability in the Maghreb is not just a regional concern; it is vital for European security, given the interconnectedness of migration routes and geopolitical dynamics.

Moreover, the EU has repeatedly faced legal challenges regarding trade and fisheries agreements involving Western Sahara, which European courts have ruled cannot be applied without the consent of its people. A resolution grounded in international law is long overdue and would put an end to these legal and ethical quagmires.

Resolving the Western Sahara issue also promises a pathway for genuine regional integration. A stable Maghreb, including an independent Sahrawi Republic, could serve as a reliable partner for the EU, fostering stability and cooperation in trade and renewable energy.

Furthermore, a lasting resolution would enable the EU to manage migration more effectively. By addressing the root causes of instability, including the ongoing occupation and marginalization of the Sahrawi people, the EU can mitigate the factors driving irregular migration and contribute to a more secure region.

The EU must protect its credibility and uphold international norms. Supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan while ignoring UN resolutions and EU court rulings undermines the Union’s claim to be a champion of values and human rights. Prioritizing geopolitical convenience over principle erodes trust in EU foreign policy and emboldens other nations to flout international law.

Instead of reinforcing these flawed frameworks, the international community—particularly the EU—must seek innovative, justice-based solutions that prioritize regional cooperation and the rights of the Sahrawi people.

The autonomy proposal is not a pathway to peace; it is a calculated attempt to entrench occupation and delay justice. It is rooted in colonial logic rather than adherence to international law and blatantly ignores the legal, moral, and political rights of the Sahrawi people to choose their future.

If peace and independence are not achieved, the repercussions will be felt in Europe and regional security.

Western Sahara could become a prolonged conflict zone for decades, leading to an outbreak of a nasty war.