Ghana ends support to Western Sahara, backs Moroccan autonomy plan instead
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Muslim woman in scarf with Morocco flag of at sunset.
Ghana Ends Decades-Long Support for Western Sahara Independence
After more than four decades of backing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), Ghana has announced a significant policy shift by withdrawing its support for the independence-seeking Polisario Front. Since 1979, Ghana had recognized the SADR, a self-declared government formed by the Polisario Front, which has long sought sovereignty over Western Sahara—a disputed territory in Northwest Africa. However, following a recent diplomatic meeting between Ghanaian and Moroccan foreign ministers, Accra has declared its endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This move marks a turning point in one of Africa’s longest-standing territorial disputes, signaling Ghana’s preference for a Moroccan-led resolution that models regional autonomy on frameworks like Spain’s Basque Country and Catalonia. The decision is likely to influence regional dynamics and reshape alliances in the ongoing Western Sahara conflict.
Background of the Western Sahara Dispute
The roots of the Western Sahara conflict stretch back to the mid-1970s, when Spain withdrew from its colonial holdings in the region. The Polisario Front emerged as a nationalist liberation movement, initially waging an insurgency against Spanish forces before engaging in a protracted 16-year war against both Morocco and Mauritania, who claimed sovereignty over the territory. The conflict has left the region divided, with Morocco controlling the majority of Western Sahara while the Polisario Front administers roughly 30% of the land in the east.
Ghana’s Longstanding Support for the Polisario Front
Ghana’s recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic dates to 1979, reflecting solidarity with the Polisario Front’s fight for independence. Over the years, Ghana joined a network of countries acknowledging the SADR’s sovereignty claims and advocating for Sahrawi self-determination. At its peak, nearly 80 countries around the world recognized the SADR, granting the movement a degree of international legitimacy. Ghana’s support aligned with broader Pan-African and anti-colonial sentiments that championed the right to self-rule for Western Sahara’s Sahrawi people.
Shift Toward Morocco’s Autonomy Plan
The announcement this week signals Ghana’s departure from its decades-old position in favor of the Polisario Front. Instead, Accra now supports Morocco’s proposal for granting Western Sahara autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, a plan inspired by Spain’s model of autonomous communities such as the Basque Country and Catalonia. This autonomy framework envisions limited self-governance while maintaining territorial unity with Morocco, offering a potential compromise aimed at ending the stalemate that has persisted for nearly 50 years.
Polisario Front’s Rejection of Autonomy Proposal
The Algeria-backed Polisario Front has rejected Morocco’s autonomy plan, viewing it as insufficient for achieving full independence. The Polisario maintains its demand for a referendum that includes the option of outright sovereignty, a proposal that Morocco opposes. This impasse has kept the conflict unresolved, with sporadic outbreaks of violence and political tensions continuing in the region. Algeria’s support for the Polisario adds a regional dimension to the dispute, heightening geopolitical stakes in North and West Africa.
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Decline in International Recognition for the SADR
Over time, the SADR’s international support has waned. Several countries that once recognized the Sahrawi state have either withdrawn their recognition or frozen diplomatic ties amid shifting geopolitical interests. Ghana joins a growing number of nations pivoting towards Morocco’s position, signaling a possible realignment in international perspectives on the conflict. This trend underscores the challenges the Polisario faces in maintaining a unified global front for Sahrawi independence.
Implications for Regional Politics
Ghana’s decision may influence other African countries to reconsider their stance on Western Sahara. It also reflects Morocco’s increasing diplomatic outreach and efforts to normalize relations with African states. The move could lead to increased cooperation between Morocco and Ghana on economic and security matters, while potentially weakening the Polisario’s leverage in international negotiations. As the conflict continues, such realignments are pivotal in shaping the future political landscape of the region.
The Road Ahead for Western Sahara
With Ghana’s endorsement of the autonomy plan, the prospects for a negotiated settlement appear more tangible, though still fraught with obstacles. The stalemate between Morocco and the Polisario Front remains a significant barrier to lasting peace. International bodies, including the United Nations, continue to call for dialogue and a peaceful resolution. Ghana’s pivot may either catalyze renewed negotiations or deepen divisions, depending on how other stakeholders respond.
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