Morocco's Istiqlal Party urges Spain’s People’s Party to clarify position on Sahara

The Istiqlal Party (PI) has voiced concern over the Spanish People's Party’s (PP) ambiguity on the Moroccan Sahara issue. The message was conveyed by PI Secretary-General Nizar Baraka in a letter addressed to Alberto Núñez Feijóo, recently re-elected as head of the PP during its congress in Madrid.

«We express our deep concern about the lack of clarity from the People's Party regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue, especially at a time when there is growing international support for the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty», Baraka wrote.

He emphasized that Morocco’s autonomy proposal, presented in 2007, is «the only realistic and credible framework to resolve this artificial conflict», and highlighted the international momentum behind it, namely backing from the United States, 22 European countries including France and the UK, as well as numerous African, Arab, Latin American, and Asian nations.

Baraka also expressed surprise that the PP, despite its political influence and membership in the European People's Party (EPP), has not aligned itself with this global consensus.

He argued that Morocco’s solution would help «ensure stability in the Maghreb and the Sahel» and «reduce irregular migration by fostering development and job creation in the region», a key issue for both the Spanish right and far right.

Baraka concluded by expressing hope that «the People's Party will act with clarity and strategic vision, in line with this historic moment and the exemplary relationship between our two countries, one that we must continue to strengthen as political parties».

The Istiqlal Party, the PP, and Morocco’s National Rally of Independents (RNI), led by Aziz Akhannouch, are all members of the Centrist Democrat International.

During its 11th congress, the PP reaffirmed its support for «respect for international law and United Nations resolutions regarding Western Sahara», according to a document shared with attendees.

Ahead of the July 23, 2023 legislative elections, a Spanish media outlet reported that the PP was maintaining direct contact with Moroccan officials, particularly with the Istiqlal Party. The Spanish conservative party reportedly assured Rabat that no major shift in its stance on the Sahara issue would occur if it won the election.