WESTERN SAHARA | Morocco's Final Victory?

For over fifty years, Western Sahara's future has been fiercely disputed, with Morocco controlling the territory and the Sahrawi people awaiting a promised referendum on independence. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a significant policy shift, declaring that self-rule within Morocco is the only solution. This decision marks a drastic departure from previous French policy and poses a serious threat to the Sahrawi people's hopes for independence. With France being a key player in international diplomacy, this move could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape, potentially closing the chapter on Western Sahara’s quest for self-determination.

Western Sahara, a region rich in phosphate and coastal fishing, has seen its right to self-determination eroded over decades. The United Nations initially supported its independence, but Morocco's annexation and the growing international acceptance of Morocco’s sovereignty have undermined these efforts. Macron’s endorsement of Moroccan autonomy is a critical blow, signalling a shift in international stance. Despite the Sahrawi people's enduring struggle and legal victories affirming their rights, the reality of international politics and strategic interests seems to be tipping the scales against them. This video explores the intricate history and the latest developments affecting Western Sahara’s fight for independence.

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*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:53 Self-Determination in International Relations
02:20 Western Sahara: Location and Population
02:58 Spain Colonial Rule Over Western Sahara
04:21 Western Sahara and the International Court of Justice
05:24 Morocco Seizes Control of Western Sahara
06:30 Morocco Consolidates its Control over Western Sahara
08:09 Morocco Builds Support for Autonomy
10:29 France Supports Morocco on Western Sahara
11:53 Is Western Sahara’s Independence Hopes Over?

*SOURCES AND FURTHER READING*
France | Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/
Morocco | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
https://diplomatie.ma/en
United Nations | MINURSO
https://minurso.unmissions.org/
International Court of Justice | Advisory Opinion on Western Sahara (1975)
https://www.icj-cij.org/case/61
Morocco | Western Sahara Autonomy Proposal (2006)
https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/MINURSO%20S2007%20206.pdf

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#France #Morocco #WesternSahara