A colony or a country: Who to decide the fate of Western Sahara?

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 A colony or a country: Who to decide the fate of Western Sahara?




The comments made by Nelson Mandela's grandson, Zondwa Mandela, at the United Nations General Assembly provoked a storm of racist abuse online. Zondwa drew attention to the plight of the Saharawi people in Western Sahara, which is controlled by Morocco, and referred to it as Africa's "last colony". Morocco's ambassador to the United Nations, Omar Hilale, was angered by the remark, claiming that the situation in Western Sahara is "not a colonial issue". In response, Zondwa was flooded with racist abuse on social media, with some people claiming he was "abusive" and "ignorant" for making the statement. This demonstrates the entrenched racism that exists in many parts of the world and the dangerous power of social media to spread hatred.

People think that it is a racist comment because of the way in which Zondwa Mandela framed his statement. His focus on Western Sahara as the last "colony" in Africa implies that it is a relic of colonialism, which many see as a dark chapter in African history. This has been interpreted as a slight against Morocco which is perceived as a colonizer by some. Additionally, the fact that Zondwa is a descendant of Nelson Mandela, a leader of anti-colonial struggles, has provoked anger in some quarters. Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, the grandson of former South African President Nelson Mandela, has stirred up controversy with his statement calling for the "liberation" of Western Sahara during a speech at the African Nations Championship football tournament. This has prompted a reaction from Morocco and an investigation from the Confederation of African Football, as well as racist abuse from social media users. Since the end of Spanish colonialism in 1975, Morocco has asserted its jurisdiction over the Western Sahara, an assertion that has been met with opposition from the international community.

In December 2020, the Trump administration recognised Morocco's claim to the area in exchange for Moroccan recognition of Israel, and the Biden administration has not altered this position. Sahrawi activists have been subjected to arrests, raids, and violence at the hands of Moroccan authorities in the territory, with female activists in particular facing sexual assault. The grandson of former South African President Nelson Mandela recently sparked a wave of racism online when he named the Western Sahara as Africa's "last colony" in a speech.

Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, was met with backlash and racist comments after speaking in support of Palestine and Western Sahara at the African Nations Championship football tournament. Morocco denounced his comments as "provocative" and an investigation was opened by the Confederation of African Football. On social media, Mandela was met with criticism from Moroccans as well as racist abuse. Some users accused him of being bought off by Algeria, the host nation of the 2023 CHAN tournament who has long been a supporter of Western Sahara independence.



At the opening match of the CHAN tournament in the Algerian capital, there were reports of Algerian fans chanting anti-Morocco slogans and referring to them as "animals", as well as calling for them to be given bananas. The CHAN tournament is held biennially and has been organised by the Confederation of African Football since 2009. Morocco has laid claim to Western Sahara since 1975, when Spain relinquished its colonial rule. Former US president Donald Trump agreed to recognise Morocco's sovereignty over the territory in exchange for the country's recognition of Israel in December 2020, a decision that has not been reversed by the current administration. Activists in Western Sahara have been subject to regular arrests, raids and violence from the Moroccan authorities, with female campaigners in particular facing threats of sexual assault. A civil war between Morocco and Algeria-backed Polisario Front, a Sahrawi group, over the independence of Western Sahara took place from 1975-1991. In 1991, a ceasefire was agreed, but tensions flared up again in November 2020, leading to a sharp escalation in violence and a worsening of relations between Morocco and Algeria. Since then, Sahrawi campaigners have reported an intensifying crackdown by the Moroccan government.

Role of Israel in this conflict:

Israel is not directly involved in the conflict in Western Sahara. However, it is known that Israel has maintained ties with both Morocco and the Polisario Front since the 1970s. It is believed that the ties have remained largely diplomatic, with Israel providing both sides with medical aid, food, clothing and other supplies. Israel has also reportedly provided military training and equipment to Morocco, although the extent of this support is not clear. Israel has remained largely neutral in the conflict and has not publicly taken a stance on the issue of independence for the Saharawi people.

The possible way forward:

The Moroccan government has denied allegations of human rights abuses in Western Sahara, and has stated that the region is an integral part of its territory. The government has also rejected any suggestion of independence for the Saharawi people, claiming that such a move would be detrimental to regional stability. However, the government has expressed a willingness to enter into negotiations with the Polisario Front, the representative of the Saharawi people, in order to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict.



The Saharawi people have long demanded their right to self-determination and to freely choose their own destiny. They have repeatedly called for a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara could decide their own political future. The Saharawi people have also voiced strong opposition to the presence of Moroccan forces in the region. They have condemned the human rights abuses that have been carried out by the Moroccan government, including the reported use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment. The Saharawi people also call for increased international support for their cause and for the recognition of their right to self-determination.

THE SOLUTION to this issue is for international leaders to take action to support the independence of the Saharawi people in Western Sahara and to respect their right to self-determination. Governments should also work to strengthen laws against racial abuse online, including by increasing penalties for those found guilty of such abuse. Finally, education campaigns should be launched to raise awareness of the issue and to promote tolerance and respect for all cultures and people. No one is to benefit from this conflict. It is a long-standing dispute between the Moroccan government and the Saharawi people, who are seeking independence. The only people who could potentially benefit from the conflict are those who are exploiting it for political or economic gain.


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