Western Sahara Occupation: The Case for Morocco's Expulsion from the African Union

Veronica Mente

The ongoing occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco represents a stark and enduring violation of international law, a blatant disregard for human rights, and a profound betrayal of the African Union's founding principles.

As we commemorate Land Reclamation Month this April at the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), we have to remember those who are still fighting against land occupation on this continent.  For over four decades, the Sahrawi people have endured displacement, oppression, and the denial of their fundamental right to self-determination.

This injustice demands a decisive response from the international community, and the call for Morocco's expulsion from the AU is a crucial step towards holding the kingdom accountable and achieving a just resolution to this protracted conflict.

The historical context of the conflict reveals a pattern of colonialism and dispossession. Following Spain's withdrawal from Western Sahara in 1975, Morocco swiftly moved to occupy the territory, despite the International Court of Justice's affirmation of the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.

This act of annexation met with resistance from the Polisario Front and triggered a protracted armed struggle and a humanitarian crisis that continues to this day. Thousands of Sahrawi refugees remain displaced in camps in Algeria, enduring harsh conditions and relying on international aid for survival.

Within the occupied territories, the Sahrawi population faces systematic human rights abuses. Reports from international organisations document restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and torture.

The Moroccan authorities maintain a tight grip on information, making it difficult for independent observers to document the full extent of the repression. This climate of fear and intimidation serves to silence dissent and perpetuate the occupation.

Morocco's occupation of Western Sahara not only violates international law but also undermines the credibility and integrity of the AU. The organisation's Constitutive Act explicitly upholds the principle of respecting borders existing at independence and the right to self-determination.

By allowing Morocco to remain a member while continuing its illegal occupation, the AU sends a dangerous message that political expediency and economic interests trump fundamental principles of justice and human rights. This double standard weakens the AU's ability to effectively address other conflicts and crises on the continent. It also questions Morocco's intentions within the AU, suggesting the kingdom may be prioritising its interests over the organisation's principles.

The economic dimension of the conflict further complicates the situation. Morocco has invested heavily in exploiting the natural resources of Western Sahara, including phosphates and fisheries. These resources, which rightfully belong to the Sahrawi people, are being used to bolster the Moroccan economy and further entrench the occupation. This economic exploitation adds another layer of injustice to the conflict and underscores the need for international pressure to hold Morocco accountable.

The demand for Morocco's expulsion from the AU is not simply a symbolic gesture; it is a practical step towards achieving a just resolution. Expulsion would send a clear message that the international community will not tolerate Morocco's illegal occupation and its blatant disregard for human rights. It would also isolate Morocco diplomatically and economically, increasing pressure on the kingdom to negotiate a settlement that respects the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.

Some argue that dialogue and negotiation are the preferred paths to resolving the conflict. While dialogue is essential, it cannot occur under the shadow of occupation and repression. Morocco must first demonstrate a genuine commitment to respecting the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.

This includes ending human rights abuses, releasing political prisoners, and allowing for a free and fair referendum on self-determination. Until Morocco takes these steps, expulsion from the AU remains a necessary measure to uphold international law and achieve a just and lasting peace. 

Morocco’s disregard of all global statutes that govern and uphold human rights has been laid bare for all to see, back in 2017 when the then AU Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma readmitted Morocco to the AU with no plan to resolve the inhumane occupation of the Western Sahara’s land by Morocco.

Dlamini-Zuma's decision to readmit Morocco to the African Union in 2017 sparked significant controversy and continues to be a point of contention. While proponents argued for the benefits of a unified Africa and Morocco's economic influence, progressive forces viewed the move as a betrayal of the AU's founding principles and a disregard for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. Examining this decision requires understanding the historical context of the Western Sahara conflict, Morocco's strategic manoeuvring, and the potential ramifications for the AU's credibility and effectiveness.

Morocco's readmission can be interpreted through several lenses. Economically, Morocco represents a significant player in the African continent, and its inclusion strengthens the AU's economic potential.

Politically, Morocco actively pursued readmission, leveraging its diplomatic ties and economic influence to garner support among AU member states. The kingdom even framed its return as a step towards pan-African unity and an opportunity to resolve the Western Sahara issue from within the AU framework. 

Yet 8 years later the forceful occupation and the abuse of Western Sahara haven’t stopped neither has it recognised the AU’s demand a recognition of Western Sahara’s self-determination and independence. Morocco has not accepted the 33 articles of the Constitutive Act of the AU with Western Sahara as a founding member.

It can only be a bully which garners the support of fellow AU countries through an abusive system which disrespects the human rights of others. We can argue that the strategy employed by the AU was aimed at undermining the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic's (SADR's) legitimacy and consolidating Morocco's control over the disputed territory. 

The long-term implications of Morocco's readmission remain uncertain hence the only solution is to nullify such a resolution and expel Morocco from the AU. Dlamini-Zuma's decision arguably prioritised political expediency and economic pragmatism over the AU's commitment to self-determination and anti-colonialism.

While a unified Africa holds undeniable appeal, the readmission of Morocco without a clear resolution to the Western Sahara conflict raises questions about the AU's commitment to its founding principles. The decision was mainly based and aimed at emboldening Morocco's stance on Western Sahara and weakening the SADR's international standing. Moreover, it potentially sets a precedent for prioritising political and economic interests over fundamental human rights and international law within the AU.

The occupation of Western Sahara is not just a regional issue; it is a global concern. The international community has a responsibility to uphold international law and protect the rights of the Sahrawi people. We recognise the initiative by the UN Security Council of adopting resolution 2757 (2024) which extends the UN peace keeping mission for referendum in Western Sahara, however that is not enough as Morocco continues to undermine all global statutes that include more than 100 UN resolutions calling for Western Sahara’s self-determination. 

Essentially, expelling Morocco from the AU is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. It is a necessary action to hold Morocco accountable for its illegal occupation, its human rights abuses, and its defiance of international law.

When Morocco was the only country outside the AU due to its arrogance and disregard for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people, it suffered a huge blow when its membership to the EU was rejected and the  European Union Court of Justice ruled against them on trade issues due to the illegal occupation of Western Sahara land. Therefore, the time for decisive action is now. The Sahrawi people have waited long enough for justice. 

* Ntombovuyo Veronica Mente is an EFF Member of Parliament. 

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.