The recent declaration of the Government of Spain in favor of the theses of Morocco in the eternal Western Sahara conflictl promote the solidarity of the canaries with the Saharawi people. Associations, platforms and individuals call on the citizens of the Islands to gather tomorrow Saturday under the slogan “Not in my name, Sahara is not for sale, Sahara decides!”. The reason is “the change of position and the betrayal” that the support of the Government of Spain to convert the territory that was Spanish colony until 1975 in an autonomy of the Alawite kingdom. In Tenerife, the stage will be in front of the Government Subdelegation on Méndez Núñez street in Santa Cruz, starting at 11:00 a.m. This was explained today at a press conference held in La Laguna by representatives of the convening groups: Movement of Solidarity, Canarian Platform in Support of the Saharawi People, Saharawi Diaspora and Canary Solidarity and Friendship Associations in support of the Saharawi People (ACSPS and ACAPS).
“The moment is now”
“The moment for our solidarity is now” defended the activist of the Union of Saharawi Women Sukeina Ndiaye, resident in the South of the Island, Conchi Reyes on behalf of the Canarian Platform of Solidarity with Western Sahara. and Hamdi Mansur, delegate of the Polisario Front in the Canary Islands. One argument: “Western Sahara is not part of Moroccan territorial integrity” but “is a Non-Self-Governing Territory pending decolonization with its right to self-determination and independence recognized by the United Nations.” They insist that “Spain is the administering power of the territory. Regardless of any unilateral declaration or agreement with third parties and cannot be separated from its responsibilities.” For the conveners, “protecting the illegal occupation of Western Sahara means for the Government of Spain and the parties that support it to give legal cover to the human rights violations denounced by different international organizations and the plundering of its natural resources.”
Comparative
A comparison with the conflict in Ukraine: “As we see right now, a democratic and just international order means that all peoples have the right to peace, solidarity, development and self-determination.” Likewise, “they must exercise effective sovereignty over their wealth and natural resources, freely seeking their economic, social and cultural development.” It also means “removing the obstacles that prevent the full realization of the right to self-determination of peoples living under colonial occupation.” Faced with this, “Spain, with its illegal position of support for the Moroccan occupier, presents additional complications for the UN peace process in Western Sahara.” That, despite the fact that “the priority is to start direct negotiations, without previous conditions.”
“Treason”
These groups appreciate that “in view of the lack of progress and the war situation that has prevailed since November 13, 2021”, as well as “aware of the extreme gravity of the situation and the radical change of the Spanish government”, they make a new appeal this Saturday, March 26 at 11 in the morning “to the Canarian population, to its political, social and union forces, to join these concentrations, to show their rejection of the unacceptable cession in the face of Moroccan blackmail”. In addition to “demanding the government to enforce international legality that enshrines a self-determination referendum for the Saharawi people, constantly rejected by Morocco.” Lastly, they ask the autonomous Executive and its president “to flatly reject the position of the central government.” Also that “as it has always done”, it is “at the side of justice, international legality and in defense of the Self-determination of our Saharawi neighbors”. They conclude: “Without siding with the invader.” This Saturday they advance “we will shout loud and strong: Not in my name, Sahara is not for sale, Sahara decides. For a free Sahara and in peace”
scenarios
The canaries are called to concentrate on six islands in the absence of confirmation on the remaining two. In addition to Tenerife, they are planned in Fuerteventura, also in front of the Government Subdelegation, in this case at 12:00 noon; in a similar location and 11:00 in Gran Canaria, El Hierro and La Palma. In Lanzarote, also at 11:00 in front of the Cabildo Viejo.
