Sahara: The polisario front desperately tries to woo Portugal
As the 48th edition of the European Conference of Solidarity with the “Sahrawi People” (EUCOCO) opens on November 29-30 in Lisbon, the Polisario’s maneuver to influence European opinion struggles to conceal its diplomatic isolation. The separatist organization has been issuing flattering statements toward Portugal, hoping to persuade European countries to adopt a position favoring a referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara. However, the facts tell a very different story.
In an interview with a Portuguese news agency, Bouchraya Hammoudi Bayoun, a Polisario representative, emphasized the supposed role Portugal could play in promoting their cause in Europe. However, these declarations reveal more about the fragile state of the separatist movement. Facing a series of diplomatic setbacks, the Polisario seeks to capitalize on the EUCOCO event to reignite a campaign that appears to be losing momentum.
Paradoxically, Portugal, the target of these separatist efforts, has long been a strong supporter of Morocco’s autonomy initiative. This plan, presented by Morocco in 2007, is internationally recognized as a serious, credible, and realistic solution to definitively resolve the Sahara conflict. In May 2023, the Portuguese government reaffirmed this position during the 14th High-Level Meeting between Morocco and Portugal, underscoring its alignment with UN resolutions.
On the sidelines of the 10th edition of the Alliance of Civilizations Forum, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita reiterated the importance of bilateral relations with his Portuguese counterpart, Paulo Rangel. These exchanges illustrate the deepening ties between the two countries, based on a shared vision of stability and regional cooperation. Portugal does not view the Polisario’s claims as a viable alternative but rather as an obstacle to lasting peace.
The Polisario’s strategy of exploiting international forums to promote an agenda based on an unrealistic referendum reveals its limitations. Growing support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara within the international community, including in Europe, further isolates the movement. Recognition of Morocco’s autonomy plan as a framework for resolution reflects an irreversible dynamic in Rabat’s favor.
Thus, in the face of these developments, the Polisario seems to be engaged in a diplomatic survival struggle, while Morocco continues to strengthen its alliances and advocate for its autonomy plan for the Sahara, a pragmatic, realistic, and sustainable solution to this artificial dispute.