Morocco Designates October 31st 'Unity Day' Amid Western Sahara Dispute

RABAT – The Moroccan government has officially designated October 31st as a national holiday, dubbed "Unity Day," to commemorate what it perceives as the United Nations Security Council's support for its autonomy plan for the contested Western Sahara region. The declaration underscores Morocco's continued efforts to solidify its claim over the territory, a move that has reignited debate over the region's future and its implications for regional stability.

UN Resolution and Autonomy Plan

The newly established holiday is directly linked to a UN Security Council resolution, purportedly sponsored by the United States, that Morocco interprets as implicitly endorsing its proposal for Western Sahara to be granted autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. While the resolution did renew the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force, MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara), its wording and the abstentions of key Security Council members like Russia, China, and Pakistan, have led to varied interpretations of its true intent. Algeria, a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front, opposed the resolution.

Polisario Front's Stance and the Independence Movement

The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, continues to advocate for complete independence for the Sahrawi people and rejects any solution that involves Moroccan sovereignty. The Front controls a portion of the Western Sahara and maintains a government-in-exile in the Tindouf refugee camps in Algeria. The situation remains a significant point of contention between Morocco and Algeria, contributing to ongoing tensions in the Maghreb region.

Historical Context: A Protracted Conflict

The Western Sahara's history is complex and deeply intertwined with colonial legacies and regional power dynamics. Formerly a Spanish colony, the territory was annexed by Morocco in 1975 following Spain's withdrawal. This annexation was immediately contested by the Polisario Front, leading to armed conflict. A ceasefire agreement was reached in 1991, facilitated by the UN, with the promise of a referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people. However, the referendum has never materialized due to disagreements over voter eligibility.

Expert Perspectives on the "Unity Day" Designation

Dr. Fatima Akil, a North Africa political analyst at the University of Rabat, suggests that the declaration of "Unity Day" is primarily a strategic move by Morocco to bolster domestic support for its Western Sahara policy and to project an image of international legitimacy. "This holiday serves as a symbolic reaffirmation of Morocco's territorial integrity in the eyes of its citizens and aims to strengthen its negotiating position on the international stage," she explains. However, she cautions that it also risks further alienating the Polisario Front and its supporters, potentially undermining future peace efforts.

Conversely, Professor Ahmed Salem, a specialist in African conflict resolution at the University of Algiers, views the Moroccan initiative with skepticism. "Declaring a 'Unity Day' based on a disputed interpretation of a UN resolution is a provocative act," he argues. "It disregards the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, as enshrined in international law, and further entrenches Morocco's unilateral approach to the conflict. This move will likely fuel resentment and could potentially reignite armed conflict in the region."

African Union's Position and Morocco's Re-engagement

The African Union (AU) recognizes the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), the state proclaimed by the Polisario Front, as a member state. Morocco withdrew from the AU's predecessor, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), in 1984 in protest over the SADR's membership. However, it rejoined the AU in 2017 as part of a broader diplomatic strategy to garner support for its Western Sahara stance and to play a more prominent role in African affairs. Morocco's re-engagement with the AU has been marked by efforts to influence the organization's position on the Western Sahara issue.

Implications for Regional Stability

The ongoing dispute over Western Sahara remains a significant impediment to regional integration and stability in the Maghreb. The strained relations between Morocco and Algeria, fueled by their opposing positions on the issue, hinder cooperation on crucial matters such as counter-terrorism, economic development, and migration management. The declaration of "Unity Day" by Morocco, while intended to solidify its claim, risks further exacerbating these tensions and prolonging the conflict, making a peaceful resolution all the more challenging.