The MSP reiterates its commitment to a political solution without winners and losers in Western Sahara

The MSP (Saharawi Movement for Peace) has issued a statement in which it reiterates its commitment to a political solution without winners and losers in Western Sahara and assesses the significance and consequences of the official visit of the French President, Emmanuel Macron, to Morocco where he has openly supported the Moroccan Sahara.

The statement said that the state visit made this week by French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco has been a new and strong endorsement of the autonomous proposal of Rabat to resolve the dispute that since 1975 has hindered the stability of northwest Africa. 

France, as a permanent member of the Security Council, is the most influential European country on the Western Sahara issue after the former colonial power, Spain, which, as is known, adopted the same position in March 2022 through the mouth of President Pedro Sanchez.

The significance of the new French position lies in the fact that it comes just two days before the Security Council resolution to renew the mandate of Minurso and after the report presented by the Personal Envoy of the Secretary General, Stefan de Mistura as a summary of three years of good offices. The Italian-Swedish diplomat has been very clear in describing with clarity the almost insurmountable difficulties in advancing his mission. 

Undoubtedly, we are at a very complex crossroads which should not go unnoticed by the Saharawis as a whole.

The PSM reiterates once again its firm will to draw the right conclusions by betting once again on the peaceful solution of the problem in which there are neither winners nor losers. We believe that the time has come for the Saharawis to finally choose not to waste any more time, energy and opportunities.

France, Spain and other countries have supported the Moroccan position on autonomy, but continue to insist that the solution must be political, just, lasting and in accordance with UN resolutions.

The proposal for a political solution presented by the Saharawi Movement for Peace (MSP) at the Dakar International Conference (October 2023) is in line with these coordinates. It considers that the 2007 proposal is the basis on which avenues of understanding can and should be explored.

In its roadmap, the MSP opts for a compromise solution which, while recognizing the links of sovereignty and interdependence with the Kingdom of Morocco, undoubtedly defines the contours of a Special Status for the creation of an entity with full powers and resources to meet the aspirations of the Saharawi people at all levels. It also places an irreplaceable value on conformity with universal standards of self-government and full international guarantees.

Instead of exhausting forces chasing mirages and unrealizable projects, the MSP calls again to the Saharawis and especially to the refugees of Tindouf, to mobilize in these complex and decisive circumstances so that, from common sense and historical responsibility, we break with the inertia and the ties of the past and take the step towards the future.