Historic Court Victory for Western Sahara's Self-Determination

The European Court of Justice ruled against the European Commission for breaching Western Sahara's right to self-determination in trade deals with Morocco. This decision marks a significant victory for Western Sahara, represented by the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, and highlights the ongoing territorial dispute with Morocco.

The European Court of Justice delivered a landmark ruling on Friday, accusing the European Commission of violating the rights of Western Sahara by engaging in trade agreements with Morocco. The territory, comparable in size to Britain, has been embroiled in Africa's longest-standing territorial conflict after Spain's 1975 withdrawal led to Moroccan annexation.

This definitive ruling comes after repeated appeals by the Commission, the executive branch of the EU. In 2019, the EU entered into agreements with Morocco concerning fishing and agricultural products originating from Western Sahara. The court declared the consent of Western Sahara's people essential for the agreements' legitimacy, noting that consultations only involved current inhabitants, not the rightful populace.

The court mandated that Western Saharan products, such as melons and tomatoes, bear labels exclusively indicating their origin, precluding any Moroccan association. This decision represents a 'historic victory' for the Sahrawi people, according to Polisario's UN representative, affirming their control over natural resources amid international disputes over autonomy plans.

(With inputs from agencies.)