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Spain Approves Sahrawi Citizenship Bill, Straining Morocco Relations
Confirmed
In Short: Spain's new law granting citizenship to Sahrawis born under Spanish rule in Western Sahara could further complicate ties with Morocco, according to reports.
The Spanish Congress has approved a bill that would grant Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born in Western Sahara during Spanish colonial rule, a move that could create a new point of friction between Madrid and Rabat.
Supporters of the bill argue that people born in the territory during Spanish rule were left in a difficult legal position after Spain withdrew, while Morocco considers the territory part of its sovereignty.
The legislation would allow Sahrawis born in the territory before September 1975 and certain descendants to obtain Spanish citizenship, shortening the residence requirement for eligible Sahrawis legally living in Spain.
The measure touches on one of the most sensitive issues in Morocco-Spain relations, as the disputed territory remains a point of contention between the two countries.
What's confirmed
- The Spanish Congress has approved a bill that would grant Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born in Western Sahara during Spanish colonial rule, a move that could create a new point of friction between Madrid and Rabat.
- Supporters of the bill argue that people born in the territory during Spanish rule were left in a difficult legal position after Spain withdrew, while Morocco considers the territory part of its sovereignty.
- The legislation would allow Sahrawis born in the territory before September 1975 and certain descendants to obtain Spanish citizenship, shortening the residence requirement for eligible Sahrawis legally living in Spain.
- The measure touches on one of the most sensitive issues in Morocco-Spain relations, as the disputed territory remains a point of contention between the two countries.
What's still developing
- While Moroccan media have highlighted its potential implications for Spain’s policy towards Western Sahara and its relations with Rabat, Reuters has reported that the move could further strain relations between Spain and Morocco.
- So what exactly would the measure do, and why is Morocco watching it closely?
- The territory has remained disputed ever since, with Morocco considering it part of its sovereignty, while the separatist Polisario Front seeks independence.
- Sumar lawmaker Tesh Sidi, the first woman of Sahrawi origin elected to Spain’s parliament, said the measure would restore Spanish identification to Sahrawis who once held it.
- In its 1975 advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice found legal ties of allegiance between the sultan of Morocco and some tribes living in the territory at the time of Spanish colonization.
- Morocco challenged the process, and the U.N. General Assembly later urged Spain to postpone the vote while it sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice.
- It also provides a facilitated path to citizenship for certain descendants.