By Victoria G. Corera – Platform “NO TE OLVIDES DU SAHARA OCCIDENTAL”
The military escalation around Iran, directly involving the United States and Israel, goes beyond the Middle East. It is part of a larger geopolitical reconfiguration that also affects North Africa. In this context, Western Sahara once again appears as an indirect but strategic element within shifting international balances.
Morocco’s position follows a clear political continuity. Since normalizing its relations with Israel in 2020 under the so-called Abraham Accords, and the U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, Rabat has strengthened a strategic partnership with Washington and Tel Aviv. This alliance, encompassing political, economic, and military aspects, remains in place amidst current international tensions, affirming a lasting alignment.
Beyond mere statements, this convergence is based on concrete interests: security cooperation, investments in strategic sectors, and development of joint projects, including those linked to Western Sahara. American support for the Moroccan position cannot be separated from this array of interests, which extends beyond the Western Saharan conflict to a broader geopolitical logic.
Regional Context: Algeria and Iran, a relationship between tensions and pragmatism
The relationship between Algeria and Iran is marked by a complex evolution, characterized by reconciliations and rifts. It does not fall under a stable alliance or constant opposition but rather finds a balance shaped by successive political contexts.
In the 1980s, Algeria played a significant diplomatic role in the conflict between Iran and Iraq, staying true to its tradition of international mediation. However, tensions arose during this period, particularly when the Algerian authorities perceived external interference in their internal affairs.
The most significant rupture occurred in the 1990s, during the “black decade.” Algeria accused Iran of supporting armed Islamist groups, leading to a suspension of diplomatic relations. This episode profoundly influenced relations between the two countries, fostering lasting mistrust.
From the 2000s, a gradual normalization took place under the presidency of Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Diplomatic relations were restored, and cooperation developed, particularly in political and energy fields. Algeria then adopted a supportive stance towards Iran’s right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, aligning with its defense of state sovereignty principles.
However, this relationship remains pragmatic. Committed to a tradition of non-alignment, Algeria seeks to preserve its maneuvering space in a constrained international environment. In the current context, characterized by the Iran war, this approach translates into a diplomacy of restraint, avoiding direct positions in a conflict with global implications.
A constant: Western Sahara remains on the sidelines of a political solution
Despite these geopolitical evolutions, the central issue remains unchanged. Western Sahara continues to be a territory awaiting decolonization, as acknowledged by the United Nations agenda. The right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination is recognized but not implemented.
Current international dynamics tend to incorporate this conflict into alliance and power balance logics that transcend it. The risk is that the Sahrawi issue will be sidelined in favor of broader strategic interests.
The war around Iran exemplifies this trend: it shows how Western Sahara can be indirectly affected by global geopolitical balances, without contributing to a concrete advancement towards its resolution.
Conclusion
The current sequence confirms a fundamental evolution: Western Sahara is increasingly entangled in international dynamics that surpass its initial decolonization context. While these recompositions strengthen some alliances and redefine regional balances, they do not address the essential issue.
On the contrary, they risk prolonging a situation marked by the absence of a political solution, prioritizing geostrategic interests over respect for international law.
