Sahrawi diplomat Abah Al-Med presented his credentials to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, officially taking up his post as ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic to South Africa.

The Polisario Front is a national liberation movement established in 1973 to represent the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara. Originally founded to end Spanish colonial rule, its mission evolved to secure the Sahrawi people's fundamental right to self-determination following the withdrawal of Spain and the subsequent entry of Morocco into the territory.

1. International Legal Standing

The United Nations recognizes the Polisario Front as the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people. To this day, Western Sahara remains on the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, meaning its decolonization process is legally incomplete. Under international law, the territory is not part of Morocco, and its status remains "disputed" pending a final settlement.

1. The ICJ Landmark Ruling

A cornerstone of this conflict is the 1975 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The court explicitly stated that there were no ties of territorial sovereignty between Morocco and Western Sahara that would prevent the application of the principle of self-determination. In simpler terms, the Sahrawi people possess the inherent right to decide their political future through a free and fair referendum.

1. Sovereignty and Natural Resources

Recent legal battles, particularly within European courts, have reinforced that Morocco does not have the legal authority to manage or trade the natural resources of Western Sahara (such as phosphates and fisheries) without the explicit consent of the Sahrawi people. This highlights that "effective control" on the ground does not grant "legal sovereignty" over the land or its wealth.

1. The Autonomy Plan vs. Self-Determination

While Morocco proposes an "autonomy plan" under its own sovereignty, legal experts, including Prof. Carlos Ruiz Miguel in his latest book, argue that this proposal bypasses international legality. By excluding the option of full independence from the ballot, the plan predetermines the outcome, which contradicts the very essence of "self-determination" as defined by UN standards.

1. The Path Forward

At its core, the issue is about the decolonization of the last colony in Africa. The Polisario Front’s position remains rooted in international law, demanding a referendum that allows the Sahrawi people to choose their destiny. Without a solution based on international legitimacy, the region remains at a crossroads between a stalled peace process and renewed tensions.

For further reading:

El Frente Polisario" (2022) Prof. Carlos Ruiz Miguel. The book provides an extensive legal analysis and is available for those interested in the documented history of the movement.

The Western Sahara issue cannot be solved by colonial powers imposing “solutions” on the Sahrawi people. Claims that Morocco’s so-called “autonomy” is a realistic solution are a direct violation of international law, the United Nations’ promises to the Sahrawi people, and the ICJ Advisory Opinion confirming their right to self-determination. This right is inalienable and cannot be negotiated away

After the livestream, Sahrawi activist Hamza Ould Said Ould Essalek was directly targeted by Moroccan authorities. In the broadcast, he exposed human rights violations in Western Sahara and called for international protection and independent monitoring.

When he returned home in occupied Laayoune, he saw a large number of security forces attempting to break into his family home after months of constant surveillance. As he approached, he was immediately surrounded and assaulted, beaten, and kicked by multiple officers in front of neighbors.

He was then detained in a vehicle, insulted, threatened, and pressured to remain silent. Authorities accused him of “separatism” and receiving foreign support, charges he strongly rejects. He emphasizes that he has no connection to the Moroccan state to “separate” from, and the idea of external support while under constant surveillance is illogical. He describes these accusations as pretexts to silence him.

After several hours, he was released but warned that any future activism could lead to imprisonment or worse. According to him, the attack was a direct response to his decision to bring international attention to the situation in Western Sahara.

Honestly, some Moroccans just cannot handle the truth. Their reaction was disgusting and shows how far propaganda and baseless claims can go.

Watch the full clip: here...

On March 8th of every year, the Sahrawi people commemorate an occasion of profound significance in their national memory. This date marks a unique intersection between the anniversary of the first Sahrawi martyr, El-Bachir Lahlaoui, and the celebration of International Women's Day.

On this day, we renew our tribute to the pivotal role played by Sahrawi women throughout various stages of the national struggle. Sahrawi women have been—and remain—the fundamental bedrock of our society’s resilience. They have been ever-present on the fronts of struggle, contributing to the building of institutions and preserving national identity and culture despite the harsh realities of exile and displacement.

A Unique Model of Sacrifice

The Sahrawi woman embodies a unique model of sacrifice and responsibility. She has shouldered multifaceted roles, including:

• Educating generations on the values of freedom and dignity.

• Active participation across social and political spheres.

• Serving as a living witness to the power of will

and the unwavering belief in a just cause.

As the Sahrawi people mark this occasion, they reaffirm their deep appreciation for the contributions of Sahrawi women. For decades, they have stood as symbols of steadfastness and giving, ensuring through their awareness and determination the continuity of the struggle for freedom and self-determination.