Western sahara: fifty years of resilience and defiance

On the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), the enduring struggle of the Sahrawi people for freedom and self-determination remains as resolute as ever.
Mohamed Salem Besett, the Sahrawi Republic’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a press conference on Tuesday at the Sahrawi embassy to update the international community on the latest developments in the Western Sahara issue.
Reflecting on half a century since the republic’s establishment, Besett emphasized that this milestone stands as a testament to the steadfastness and resilience of the Sahrawi people in their pursuit of justice. “The passing of fifty years symbolizes the unwavering determination of the Sahrawi people and their persistent defense of a just cause,” he stated firmly. He reaffirmed the people’s continued commitment to their legitimate right to liberation from occupation.
Addressing the broader regional dynamics, the minister criticized Morocco’s approach, asserting that “Morocco lacks genuine political will to engage seriously in a real solution to the Western Sahara issue.”
The Western Sahara conflict, a protracted territorial dispute, remains one of Africa’s longest unresolved issues, with the Sahrawi population steadfast in its demands for self-rule and sovereignty amid ongoing diplomatic and political challenges.
As the Sahrawi Republic commemorates its 50 years of existence, its leadership calls for renewed international attention and concerted efforts toward a just and lasting resolution, underscoring the resilience of a people who refuse to relinquish their quest for freedom.