Spain backs citizenship for Western Saharans
Spain's Congress has approved a bill offering Spanish citizenship for tens of thousands of Sahrawis born in Western Sahara under Spanish administration. It aims to rectify a historical injustice from Spain's withdrawal decades ago, targeting Sahrawis born before September 29, 1977, and their direct descendants. This offers long-awaited reparation for a population facing legal precariousness. Western Sahara, under Spanish control from 1884 until 1976, initially as a colony and later a province, saw Spain's departure in 1975-1976 lead to an ongoing dispute over sovereignty. The United Nations lists Western Sahara as non-self-governing, its political status unresolved. Most of the territory is controlled by Morocco, while the Polisario Front claims an independent state and maintains a government-in-exile in Algeria. Estimates suggest 70,000 to 120,000 Sahrawis could benefit, gaining rights to live, work, and study freely within the European Union. Championed by the Sumar party and MP Tesh Sidi, the bill moves to the Senate for review before final enactment. The law does not automatically grant citizenship; eligible individuals must apply and prove they meet conditions, such as birth before the specified date. This development has significant diplomatic implications for Spain's relationship with Morocco. Morocco claims sovereignty over Western Sahara, and the citizenship bill could strain ties. This follows Spain's 2022 shift from neutrality, endorsing Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. The decision highlights the historical legacy and ongoing geopolitical complexities surrounding Western Sahara and its people.
