Expulsion of the “Polisario” from the African Union: Political Conditions and Legal Procedure
With the expanding support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara on the African stage following Morocco’s return to its African roots and its success in convincing several countries to withdraw their recognition of the so-called “SADR” and open consulates in the southern provinces of the Kingdom, the issue of expelling this separatist group from the African Union has resurfaced. This demand is supported by many influential political forces within the continent.
It appears that the African Union itself has paved the way for this expulsion when it decided last month to exclude the Polisario from participating in summits and events of an international nature, limiting participation to internationally recognized states. Observers assert that the expulsion of this organization from the continental body is only a matter of time, especially given the maturity of the political conditions necessary for this step. They note that the growing recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and Morocco’s influence in Africa are two important factors that Rabat can leverage to initiate the expulsion procedure, which also requires diplomatic mobilization and broad support from member states.
Favorable Conditions and Diplomatic Mobilization
In this context, Hicham Moatassid, a researcher in strategic affairs, said, “The issue of expelling the Polisario from the African Union is a matter of time if the appropriate political and legal conditions, which are beginning to fall into place, are exploited.” He added that “there is an organized diplomatic movement by member states that consider the presence of the Polisario to be an obstacle to stability and unity within the Union.” These states should submit an official request to the African Union’s Peace and Security Council to review the membership of this group, based on violations of the Union’s founding charter, particularly concerning the national sovereignty of member states and the integrity of their territories.
Moatassid explained that “the expulsion procedure begins with the discussion of this request within the council, where it is necessary to obtain the support of the majority of members, which is easier to achieve in the current geopolitical context in Africa.” He added, “After that, a recommendation can be submitted to the Union’s General Assembly to discuss the matter at the summit of heads of state and government. Here lies the importance of mobilizing broad support for this expulsion, especially from countries that support ending this unhealthy presence and have repeatedly expressed their readiness to move forward in this direction. If the support of two-thirds of the member states is secured, the decision to expel the Polisario becomes possible.”
The speaker emphasized to Hespress that “although the African Union’s Charter does not contain clear provisions regarding the expulsion of a member, this ambiguity can be used to ensure the expulsion of the Polisario. The increasing pressure from member states concerned with the unity of their territories can lead to a broad interpretation of Article 23 of the founding law, which deals with.
