British MPs urge UK support for Moroccan sovereignty in Western Sahara

A coalition of UK parliamentarians, encompassing members from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, has penned a letter to British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, urging immediate acknowledgment of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara region in North Africa.

Dated May 23, the letter, signed by over 30 MPs, contends that a proposal advanced by Rabat warrants unambiguous support from Britain, as it represents the sole viable solution to the enduring conflict surrounding the sparsely inhabited territory, formerly under Spanish rule and annexed by Morocco nearly five decades ago.

Asserting that such endorsement aligns with Britain's principles and international obligations, the parliamentarians emphasize that it does not compromise the UK's stance on its Overseas Territories and can potentially contribute to regional peace.

The protracted dispute in the North African nation has pitted Morocco against the Sahrawi people, led by the Polisario Front, who waged a 15-year war for independence before acceding to a delicate UN-mediated ceasefire in 1991. The annexation of Western Sahara has exacerbated tensions between Morocco and neighboring Algeria, a staunch advocate for Western Saharan autonomy.

Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, submitted to the UN Security Council in April 2007, proposes delegating administrative, legislative, and judicial authority to local inhabitants while maintaining Moroccan sovereignty, flag, and currency. Rabat would also retain control over foreign policy, security, and defense in the phosphate-rich region.

While Morocco has garnered support for its proposal from various countries, including some African neighbors, the Polisario Front remains staunchly opposed, with only Israel and the US officially recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Recently, Western Sahara's Information Ministry accused France of breaching international law by purportedly funding projects in the disputed region through the French Development Agency (AFD), labeling the move as provocative.

The British lawmakers lauded Rabat's proposal as a pragmatic and feasible approach, urging UK leadership to emulate the example set by key allies, such as the US and France, by supporting Morocco. They stressed that such action would also be consistent with Britain's trade agreement with Morocco, encompassing the Western Sahara.

The letter underscores that neutrality or alternative resolutions would merely perpetuate a detrimental status quo, posing risks to regional security.