Spain's Africa strategy excludes Western Sahara
The Spanish government has reportedly excluded Western Sahara from its «Spain-Africa Strategy 2025-2028», according to several Iberian media outlets on Wednesday, March 12. Diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that «the Africa Plan only concerns the sub-Saharan African region». However, other diplomats who disagree with José Manuel Albares' policy on this matter believe that the exclusion aims to avoid offending Morocco.
This careful approach toward Morocco was also evident on Monday in the House of Representatives, where José Manuel Albares addressed concerns about air links between Spanish cities and Laayoune or Dakhla in Western Sahara. «Private airline decisions are a matter for discussion between the companies and the relevant civil aviation agencies, so they are technical decisions», he responded to a pro-Polisario MP who urged the government to condemn the opening of these routes.
A similar stance was taken by the Ministry of Defense, which decided not to commemorate the centenary of the Spanish army's landing in Al Hoceima on September 8, 1925.
For the record, during his meeting with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf on February 20 in Johannesburg, José Manuel Albares requested that Algeria's official communication refrain from mentioning the Sahara issue.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
9 hours ago
- Morocco World
South African Party Recognizes Morocco's Sovereignty Over Western Sahara
Doha – The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party of South Africa, led by former president Jacob Zuma, has decisively rejected the Polisario Front and forcefully endorsed Morocco's Autonomy Plan for the Sahara. This bold stance directly confronts the long-held position of South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has stubbornly backed the Algerian-sponsored militant faction. The MK Party, commanding substantial influence as the third-largest political force in South Africa's parliament with 58 seats, released a comprehensive 17-page document titled 'South Africa & Morocco: A Strategic Partnership for African Unity, Economic Emancipation and Territorial Integrity.' Founded in December 2023 by Zuma after his split from the ANC, the party's text obliterates any legitimacy claims by the insurgent movement and firmly establishes Morocco's historical rights. 'Western Sahara was a part of Morocco before Spanish colonization in the late 19th century,' declares the document. 'The Moroccan claim predates colonization and is rooted in tribal allegiance to the Moroccan throne.' The party's position dismantles the secessionist narrative by emphasizing crucial historical context in the territorial dispute. It venerates Morocco's 1975 Green March, when over 350,000 unarmed Moroccans triumphantly reclaimed the Sahara, as 'a peaceful and powerful act of decolonization' and 'a unique, non-violent liberation movement.' Regarding Morocco's autonomy initiative, the MK Party extols it as a 'realistic alternative' that 'allows for significant local governance by the Sahrawi people, while ensuring that Morocco retains its sovereignty over the region' – effectively entombing the Polisario's antiquated and destabilizing breakaway agenda. This development strikes another devastating blow to international support for the Cold War-era proxy group. Recently, Ghana and Kenya decisively withdrew their recognition of the Polisario, joining the overwhelming tide of African countries rightfully backing Morocco's territorial integrity. A break from isolationist policies, a move forward The MK Party's stance exposes the ever-starker isolated position of South Africa's official foreign policy, now glaringly out of step with the continent's shifting alliances and aspirations. While the ANC under President Cyril Ramaphosa doggedly clings to supporting the Algerian-backed insurgents, the MK Party's position signals profound fissures in South African politics regarding the Sahara dispute. Jacob Zuma had previously met with King Mohammed VI during the 2017 African Union-European Union summit in Abidjan, a meeting that triggered backlash from hardliners within the ANC. The MK Party now frames its support for Morocco partly as reciprocation for historical ties, noting that 'Morocco was the first country to land financial and military support to uMkhonto weSizwe in 1962.' The document vigorously advocates for strengthened bilateral relations between South Africa and Morocco across multiple domains, including diplomatic cooperation, economic development, and security coordination. It calls for establishing 'bilateral dialogue frameworks' and supporting 'joint ventures in infrastructure, industry, energy, agriculture, tourism and digital transformation.' South Africa currently grapples with its own dissident movement in the Cape region, exposing the paradoxical nature of its official stance on territorial integrity issues elsewhere on the continent. This mirrors Algeria's double standards, which label the MAK movement as a terrorist threat while considering the Polisario an ally, despite its involvement in armed activities denounced as terrorism by numerous NGOs. Both cases indicate a troubling double standard in how the two countries approach self-determination claims. The ANC government had hastily recognized the self-proclaimed paper entity of 'SADR' in 2004, prompting Morocco to sever diplomatic relations in response. International observers have described international recognition of Rabat's sovereignty over the Sahara as 'irreversible,' highlighting that approximately 120 countries now support Morocco's position globally, leaving the armed faction increasingly ostracized. Meanwhile, the Polisario's contested seat within the African Union is under growing scrutiny. According to diplomatic sources, the question of expelling the front from the continental body is being discussed 'more frequently' with African partners, suggesting the issue will resurface 'tôt ou tard' (sooner or later). The MK Party's document concludes by envisioning the alliance between Pretoria and Rabat as 'a significant chapter in the African renaissance' and 'a model for how African nations can internally build a brighter future — by Africans and for Africans,' leaving no room for divisive paramilitary agendas. Read also: South Africa's Ruling ANC Split Deepens as Members Rally for Morocco Ties Tags: Morocco and South AfricaWestern sahara
Morocco World
9 hours ago
- Morocco World
South African Party Breaks with Government, Backs Morocco on Sahara
Doha – The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party of South Africa, led by former president Jacob Zuma, has decisively rejected the Polisario Front and forcefully endorsed Morocco's Autonomy Plan for the Sahara. This bold stance directly confronts the long-held position of South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has stubbornly backed the Algerian-sponsored militant faction. The MK Party, commanding substantial influence as the third-largest political force in South Africa's parliament with 58 seats, released a comprehensive 17-page document titled 'South Africa & Morocco: A Strategic Partnership for African Unity, Economic Emancipation and Territorial Integrity.' Founded in December 2023 by Zuma after his split from the ANC, the party's text obliterates any legitimacy claims by the insurgent movement and firmly establishes Morocco's historical rights. 'Western Sahara was a part of Morocco before Spanish colonization in the late 19th century,' declares the document. 'The Moroccan claim predates colonization and is rooted in tribal allegiance to the Moroccan throne.' The party's position dismantles the secessionist narrative by emphasizing crucial historical context in the territorial dispute. It venerates Morocco's 1975 Green March, when over 350,000 unarmed Moroccans triumphantly reclaimed the Sahara, as 'a peaceful and powerful act of decolonization' and 'a unique, non-violent liberation movement.' Regarding Morocco's autonomy initiative, the MK Party extols it as a 'realistic alternative' that 'allows for significant local governance by the Sahrawi people, while ensuring that Morocco retains its sovereignty over the region' – effectively entombing the Polisario's antiquated and destabilizing breakaway agenda. This development strikes another devastating blow to international support for the Cold War-era proxy group. Recently, Ghana and Kenya decisively withdrew their recognition of the Polisario, joining the overwhelming tide of African countries rightfully backing Morocco's territorial integrity. A break from isolationist policies, a move forward The MK Party's stance exposes the ever-starker isolated position of South Africa's official foreign policy, now glaringly out of step with the continent's shifting alliances and aspirations. While the ANC under President Cyril Ramaphosa doggedly clings to supporting the Algerian-backed insurgents, the MK Party's position signals profound fissures in South African politics regarding the Sahara dispute. Jacob Zuma had previously met with King Mohammed VI during the 2017 African Union-European Union summit in Abidjan, a meeting that triggered backlash from hardliners within the ANC. The MK Party now frames its support for Morocco partly as reciprocation for historical ties, noting that 'Morocco was the first country to land financial and military support to uMkhonto weSizwe in 1962.' The document vigorously advocates for strengthened bilateral relations between South Africa and Morocco across multiple domains, including diplomatic cooperation, economic development, and security coordination. It calls for establishing 'bilateral dialogue frameworks' and supporting 'joint ventures in infrastructure, industry, energy, agriculture, tourism and digital transformation.' South Africa currently grapples with its own dissident movement in the Cape region, exposing the paradoxical nature of its official stance on territorial integrity issues elsewhere on the continent. This mirrors Algeria's double standards, which label the MAK movement as a terrorist threat while considering the Polisario an ally, despite its involvement in armed activities denounced as terrorism by numerous NGOs. Both cases indicate a troubling double standard in how the two countries approach self-determination claims. The ANC government had hastily recognized the self-proclaimed paper entity of 'SADR' in 2004, prompting Morocco to sever diplomatic relations in response. International observers have described international recognition of Rabat's sovereignty over the Sahara as 'irreversible,' highlighting that approximately 120 countries now support Morocco's position globally, leaving the armed faction increasingly ostracized. Meanwhile, the Polisario's contested seat within the African Union is under growing scrutiny. According to diplomatic sources, the question of expelling the front from the continental body is being discussed 'more frequently' with African partners, suggesting the issue will resurface 'tôt ou tard' (sooner or later). The MK Party's document concludes by envisioning the alliance between Pretoria and Rabat as 'a significant chapter in the African renaissance' and 'a model for how African nations can internally build a brighter future — by Africans and for Africans,' leaving no room for divisive paramilitary agendas. Read also: South Africa's Ruling ANC Split Deepens as Members Rally for Morocco Ties Tags: Morocco and South AfricaWestern sahara
Morocco World
11 hours ago
- Morocco World
Pep Guardiola Breaks Silence on Gaza's Humanitarian Catastrophe
Rabat – Pep Guardiola has expressed his deep sadness over the humanitarian catastrophes unfolding in the Gaza Strip. The Manchester City manager set aside football to shed light on the devastating war in Gaza during a ceremony at the University of Manchester, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate. The war 'hurts my whole body,' he told the audience, urging the world to 'take care of your neighbour.' 'It's not about ideology. It's not about who is right or wrong,' the 54-year-old football star told the audience. 'It's about loving life.' Guardiola's remarks came as he was recognized for both his on-field achievements after winning six Premier League titles with City and his off-field work through the Guardiola Sala Foundation. The foundation supports a range of causes, from youth homelessness in the UK to healthcare access in Catalonia. The coach, long outspoken on social and political issues, including Catalonia's independence, said the images of young victims in Gaza reminded him of his children and made it impossible to stay silent. Israel's genocidal war on Gaza has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians since October 7 'Maybe we think it's none of our business to see four- or five-year-old boys and girls killed by a bomb in a hospital that is no longer a hospital. Well, it's okay, think as you like. [Maybe you believe] this does not concern us. But beware, those who are coming may be ours [children]. Four or five children will be ours.' Guardilla said He added, 'I apologize, but I see my children, Maria, Marius, and Valentina when every morning, since the nightmare began, I see the children of Gaza, and I am very scared.' Guardiola showed no hesitation in expressing his political views and has been a vocal supporter of Catalonia's independence campaign from Spain. Guardiola is the latest high-profile figure in world football to condemn the tragic situation in Gaza amid Israel's relentless war. Last October, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah released a video plea to 'world leaders' to stop the 'massacres of innocent souls' after an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza hospital. In Germany, Mainz terminated Dutch winger Anwar El Ghazi's contract over social-media posts that criticized Israeli aggression on Gaza, a saga that eventually saw the player move to Cardiff City. Their interventions reflect a growing trend: footballers and coaches, once counselled to 'stick to sport,' now regularly address geopolitical crises, especially when civilian casualties dominate headlines. Guardiola's decision to anchor his acceptance speech in Gaza's suffering reinforces that trend. The Spanish coach painted a graphic picture of children killed or destroyed hospitals. He warned that ignoring distant tragedies risks them landing 'on our doorstep one day,' he concluded. Tags: Gazagaza genocideguardiolaman cityPep Guardiola
