Between the desert and memory: half a century of Sahrawi resistance

These days we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the proclamation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The tricolor crescent flag was raised for the first time on February 27, 1976, in Bir Lehlu, a small village in the middle of the desert. That moment was much more than a simple political declaration; it represented a people's struggle to exist.

Western Sahara is a strip of land located between Cape Bojador and Cape Blanc, between the Atlantic Ocean and the desert, covering an area of ​​approximately 266,000 square kilometers. It borders Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. It is a region of former nomadic peoples rich in natural resources, especially phosphates.

Let's look at some history: the proclamation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) came at a turbulent time. After almost a century of Spanish presence, Madrid withdrew from the territory as part of the decolonization process promoted by the United Nations (UN). The withdrawal was carried out hastily, with Franco on his deathbed and the Spanish Transition to democracy in its infancy. The resulting political vacuum was filled by Morocco and Mauritania, which sparked a war with the Polisario Front, the movement that defends Sahrawi national aspirations.

Over the years, the conflict has gone through several phases. Mauritania withdrew in 1979, but Morocco consolidated its control over most of the territory. Many Sahrawis fled and settled in refugee camps in Algeria, such as Tindouf. After years of fighting, a ceasefire was agreed upon in 1991 with the promise of a referendum to allow the population to decide their future. MINURSO was created to oversee this process. However, the referendum has never taken place, and the political process remains stalled.

Over time, the situation has become more complex. Morocco advocates for autonomy under its sovereignty. The Sahrawi people maintain their demand for a free and binding referendum. This disagreement has prevented any real progress, culminating in renewed armed clashes in 2020. Today, the territory is divided between the area controlled by Morocco, a section under Polisario control, and the refugee camps. This division separates families and prolongs a seemingly endless wait.

Despite the difficulties, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) has built its own governing structures. In the refugee camps, under very harsh conditions, schools, health centers, and spaces for political participation have been established. Life in the desert is difficult, but it is also an example of organization and resilience. The Sahrawi cause has received recognition from several countries and is a member of the African Union. However, a definitive solution remains pending and depends on the will of the international community.

Spain bears a clear responsibility in this conflict because, as we have said, Western Sahara was a colony. For many years, Spain had advocated for a referendum on self-determination under the auspices of the UN. But in 2022, the government led by Pedro Sánchez explicitly supported the autonomy proposal put forward by Morocco. This change of position provoked debate and disagreements within the government itself, as some sectors continued to defend the right to self-determination as the only legitimate path. At the same time, attempts have been made to revive negotiations with the participation of international actors, such as the administration of Donald Trump, but so far no concrete progress has been achieved.

Faced with this institutional paralysis, civil society has not remained silent. In the Balearic Islands, the Association of Friends of the Sahrawi People has been working since the 1980s to support refugees and inform the public. Its best-known project is 'Vacances en Pau' (Holidays in Peace): every summer, hundreds of Sahrawi children spend a few months with families on the islands. This allows them to escape the harsh conditions of the desert, receive medical care, and enjoy proper nutrition. The organization also promotes shipments of supplies, healthcare projects, and awareness-raising activities. Furthermore, to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), the association is organizing commemorative and reflective events. A documentary will be screened. Western Sahara: Memory of a Resistance A discussion will be held with Sahrawi representatives and individuals involved in human rights advocacy. It will be an opportunity to hear testimonies and to remember that the right to self-determination remains unfulfilled.

Let me end with an interesting tidbit. According to Sahrawi tradition, it is necessary to drink three teas consecutively: the first is bitter like life, the second is sweet like love, and the third is mild like death. This image aptly summarizes their recent history: suffering, hope, and perseverance.

Fifty years later, the Sahrawi people are still waiting for the promise of a just solution to be fulfilled. It is only right not to forget what is happening in that part of the world.