Dialogue and understanding, the keys to a peaceful solution for Western Sahara

Western Sahara is a very important territory that Morocco claims as part of its southern provinces. 

The North African country is proposing an Autonomy Plan for the area that would grant the Saharawis a large degree of self-government under Moroccan sovereignty, respecting the resolutions of the United Nations (UN) and seeking maximum territorial development in all areas. 

Many important countries, such as the United States, France, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Germany and Spain, support the Moroccan initiative, considering it the most serious, credible and realistic way to resolve the Saharawi dispute, which has lasted for almost five decades since the end of the Spanish colonial period. 

A proposal that has greater support than the independence initiative promoted by the Polisario Front with the backing of Algeria, which is a major political rival of Morocco in the Maghreb, especially since Algeria's decision to break off diplomatic relations with the Moroccan kingdom in August 2021, a situation that has not been resolved despite King Mohammed VI's outstretched hand to his Algerian neighbour. 

Between these conflicting positions, the proposal of the Saharawi Movement for Peace (MSP) has emerged, which is a moderate current within the Saharawi spectrum and has great support. This organisation claims to have an important position in the talks on the question of Western Sahara and advocates an alternative route to achieve peace and harmony in the area through dialogue and understanding between the parties. 

In this vein, and with the prominent participation of political leaders, international experts and Saharawi representatives, the Third International Conference for Dialogue and Peace in Western Sahara was held, concluding with a unanimous call for a peaceful and negotiated solution to the Western Sahara conflict.

The event, organised by the MSP, took place at the Centre for Cultural Initiatives of La Caja de Canarias (CICCA) and brought together key figures such as the former President of the Spanish Government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero; the former Spanish Minister of Defence, José Bono; and the first secretary of the MSP, Hatch Ahmed Bericalla.

During his speech, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero emphasised the need to open up inclusive spaces for dialogue, where all Saharawi voices can be heard. ‘In the Sahara, as in any other part of the world, living together means giving in, respecting identities, building a common future,’ he said. He also emphasised the importance of diplomacy and mutual understanding as fundamental pillars for achieving a sustainable and fair solution for the Saharawi people, according with the official statement of the MSP. 

For his part, José Bono argued that Morocco's proposal to grant an autonomous regime to Western Sahara is the ‘most effective’ alternative for achieving stability in the region. ‘The solution is in negotiation, the solution is through autonomy,’ said the former minister, arguing that it is a viable option that could guarantee the differentiated rights of the Saharawi population. Bono emphasised that ‘Morocco has changed in recent years’ and that it is necessary to understand the Moroccan reality without prejudice in order to advance the peace process.

The leader of the Saharawi Movement for Peace, Hach Ahmed Bericalla, highlighted the MSP's position as a realistic and moderate alternative for resolving the conflict. ‘We have chosen to move away from radicalism and, from a moderate and realistic approach, to opt for a solution in which there are no winners or losers, a political solution for a political problem that must, of necessity, guarantee the fundamental rights of the Saharawi people and their coexistence with Morocco and the other peoples of the Maghreb,’ he said. 

In this context, the conference also served as a stage for the presentation and endorsement of the proposals contained in the Canary Islands Manifesto 2025, which reinforces the commitment to a viable and peaceful solution for the region. The manifesto emphasises the need to break with the dynamics of suffering and unfulfilled promises that have perpetuated the conflict, calling on the Saharawi community to make courageous decisions that will enable them to build a better future with lasting stability. 

Among the key proposals included in the manifesto, the inclusion of the Polisario Front in the Socialist International as an observer member stands out, which introduces a new dynamic in Saharawi representation and underlines its commitment to a political solution far removed from violence. Likewise, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary General is urged to include the MSP and the Saharawi traditional authority in the negotiation process, recognising their fundamental role in the cohesion and leadership of the Saharawi community.

This manifesto also calls on the Spanish government to maintain its position in support of the autonomous solution, despite the pressure it has received. It highlights the role that Spain can play within the European Union (EU) in favouring greater involvement of the latter in the resolution of the conflict. In this sense, around twenty EU countries have already expressed their support for the autonomy proposal, something that should be valued for its recognition in the short and medium term

The manifesto also criticises the attitude of the Polisario Front, accusing it of perpetuating the conflict by systematically refusing to explore alternative avenues. An appeal is made to its leaders to reverse the situation and restore the ceasefire, avoiding further loss of life in a conflict that has proven to be fruitless. In addition, the importance of reaching a solution that allows the reunification of Saharawi families is emphasised, ensuring a dignified life with opportunities within their own land, far from the hardships of exile in the desert.

‘This is the starting point for building change, for travelling the road and, finally, for conquering our future. The time has come to reaffirm our commitment to it,’ concludes the manifesto, reaffirming that dialogue, moderation and the inclusion of new actors in the peace process are the key to a lasting and just solution.

With the closing of this 3rd International Conference, the MSP reaffirms its commitment to peace and stability in the region, committing to dialogue and cooperation as fundamental tools for achieving a lasting and mutually beneficial solution for the Saharawi people.