Polisario Front celebrates 50 years of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

The Polisario Front marked the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic on Wednesday with a military parade held in a refugee camp near Tindouf, highlighting the ongoing struggle over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

The anniversary comes as much of Western Sahara remains under the control of Morocco, with thousands of Sahrawis still living in exile. During the event, a Sahrawi housewife, Mettou Ouadat Abed Elmo, expressed hope for a future return, saying the next celebration would be held on their homeland.

The Polisario Front originally proclaimed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic on 27 February 1976. However, fewer than 50 United Nations member states currently recognise the SADR, while the United Nations continues to classify Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory.

In a speech marking the occasion, Polisario leader Brahim Ghali reaffirmed the group’s commitment to independence, stressing that the Sahrawi people have an “unalienable right to self-determination” and insisting that independence remains the only path to lasting peace.

The anniversary also comes amid shifting international dynamics, as Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara gains increasing global backing. In November, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution endorsing Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal as the “sole foundation for a fair and lasting resolution” to the long-running dispute.

This marks a notable shift from the UN’s previous position, which emphasised a mutually acceptable political solution negotiated directly between Morocco and the Polisario Front.

Algeria, a key supporter of the Polisario Front, abstained from the vote, with its ambassador arguing that the resolution did not accurately reflect the UN’s stance on decolonisation.

Morocco’s proposal has since gained the support of around 120 countries, including the United States, Spain, France, and most recently the Netherlands, underscoring growing international backing for Rabat’s position in the decades-old conflict.

TNAM
Edited By Egwu Patience Nnennaya