Jimena Muñoz Moreno and María Águila Albendea
For a long time, the conflict between Morocco and the Sahara has occupied a large part of our country's concerns, which is why it has always been considered neutral. However, in the last year, the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, has declared his position on the Moroccan side, causing fear in the Spaniards due to the response of Argelia (main energy supplier) among others.
With regard to both sides, the Saharawi people feel betrayed. The Polisario Front has described this position of Spain in the conflict as "a political and legal irresponsibility" that would have succumbed to blackmail and the Moroccan policy of fear. While, on the other hand, the Moroccan side feels benefited, in addition to the support, by the new factors that will be supplied to them, such as energy.
"a political and legal irresponsibility"
The conflict continues to grow, both parties at odds, but what will this mean for Spain? and for the saharaui and moroquian population? Laura Guardiola, an expert in saharaui international relationships, tells us about it.
She has talked about the direct consequences this decision could have on Spain.
First of all, she refers to the relationship with Argelia, which would be turned into enemisty. Laura emphasizes that “this country is the main gas supplier of the Spanish country, but also the main supporter of the saharaui population”.
She added that this entails a non reduction on the gas prices, and, which could be worse, the possibility of Spain to be rejected as the intermediary of gas with Europe. As Argelia advanced, it would be changed for Italy.
"Argelia is the main gas supplier of the Spanish country, but also the main supporter of the saharaui population"
On the other hand, Laura talks about the enemisty between the Spanish political parties. She remarks those which have always been in favor of the saharaui independence, such as Podemos, which is also part of the government. Not only these conflicts, Laura added that “the public opinion has always been sided for the saharaui independence, and now they feel betrayed by their own governors”.
All in all, says Laura, “the major consequence, the most important one is that the saharaui population is suffering, and, due to the double treason Spain has exercised over the Sahara, this people will continue to see their human right violated, day after day”
"the major consequence is that the saharaui population is suffering"
Comments