EUCOCO : No Plan Can Override Sahrawis’ Right to Self-Determination
The President of the European Coordinating Conference of Support to the Sahrawi People (EUCOCO), Pierre Galand, reaffirmed that the fundamental principle allowing the Sahrawi people to determine their own future lies is their inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations (UN) resolutions, emphasizing that no plan can override this principle.
In a message addressed to Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, which was published by the media, Galand referred to international law and United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 of 1960, which enshrines the right of both the Palestinian and Sahrawi peoples to self-determination and to consultation about their future.
He pointed out that “the Belgian government was right in championing the recognition of the State of Palestine and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination,” questioning “why its stance differs in the case of the conflict in Western Sahara, even though its occupation is equally unlawful.” He regarded this approach as “unbecoming of a nation that claims to respect international law, humanitarian law, and international justice.” The message also reiterated the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling of October 4th, 2024, which clarifies that “Western Sahara and Morocco are two separate territories,” reaffirming an earlier decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The ruling states that “there is a people in Western Sahara represented by the Polisario Front” and that “this people must be consulted regarding the exploitation and use of its natural resources,” recalled the source.
Pierre Galand concluded his message by urging the Belgian minister to reconsider his stance on the Sahrawi cause, expressing his hope that his country would, “as it has often done, stand alongside international law, justice, and human dignity in opposing colonial regimes.”
