Spain’s Congress has approved a bill allowing Sahrawis born in Western Sahara during Spanish rule to apply for citizenship. This move, while not altering the territorial status of Western Sahara, could significantly impact Spain’s relations with Morocco. Approximately 70,000 to 110,000 individuals may qualify, potentially creating a new community of Spanish and EU citizens connected to the contentious issue of Western Sahara.
The law shortens the residency requirement for eligible Sahrawis in Spain from ten years to two, addressing historical grievances stemming from Spain’s colonial past. Supporters argue that this measure rectifies injustices faced by those born in the territory before 1977, while critics in Morocco view it as a challenge to their sovereignty claims over Western Sahara.
This legislation comes after Spain’s recent shift in policy, where it backed Morocco’s autonomy proposal for the region. Although the new citizenship law does not officially recognize the Polisario Front or an independent Sahrawi state, it complicates Spain’s diplomatic stance, as it intertwines historical accountability with current political dynamics.
As Spain navigates its colonial legacy, the implications of this citizenship bill extend beyond legal status. It reflects a broader conversation about identity, rights, and the ongoing struggle for recognition among Sahrawis, while also testing the delicate balance in Spain-Morocco relations.
Source: Al Jazeera
