U.S. reaffirms stance on Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, overlooking indigenous Sahrawi self-determination
Original framing: “US reaffirms support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara” — Africa News
The Sahrawi people have maintained a distinct cultural identity and political organization, including the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, for over four decades. Their resistance is not only political but also cultural, preserving language, traditions, and memory despite displacement.
The U.S. reaffirmation of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara reflects a geopolitical strategy that prioritizes stability and alliance over justice and decolonization.
This narrative obscures the historical and ongoing violence against the Sahrawi people and their right to self-determination. A systemic solution requires international actors to recognize the Sahrawi as legitimate political actors, support inclusive mediation, and hold Morocco accountable for human rights violations. Drawing on historical parallels with other indigenous struggles, and integrating cross-cultural and artistic perspectives, a just resolution must center Sahrawi agency and cultural continuity. Only through such a holistic approach can the conflict move toward a sustainable and equitable resolution.