Spanish lawmakers have taken a significant step by approving a bill that could grant citizenship to tens of thousands of Sahrawis, individuals born in Western Sahara during Spanish colonization. This legislation, which must pass the Senate to become law, could have profound implications for Spain’s diplomatic relations with Morocco, a country that claims sovereignty over the territory.
The bill targets Sahrawis born before September 29, 1977, and their descendants, potentially affecting between 70,000 to 100,000 people. This move is seen as a restoration of rights for those who previously held Spanish nationality, as articulated by Sumar lawmaker Tesh Sidi, who highlighted the importance of reclaiming identity.
However, the timing of this legislation is critical. It comes amid heightened tensions between Spain and Morocco, particularly following a migrant crisis in Ceuta that strained relations further. The Moroccan government may view this citizenship bill as a provocation, complicating an already delicate diplomatic landscape.
As the bill moves to the Senate, its passage could not only alter the lives of many Sahrawis but also reshape Spain’s foreign policy and its approach to migration and territorial disputes in the region. The outcome will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how colonial legacies are addressed in modern governance.
Source: DW News
