October 2024
The Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) welcomes the recent ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that invalidates the illegal exploitation of Western Sahara’s natural resources under agreements between Morocco and the European Union. This landmark decision reaffirms the distinct status of Western Sahara and underscores the inalienable right of the Saharawi people to self-determination.
Western Sahara, formerly colonized by Spain, became a victim of post-colonial partitioning when Spain withdrew in 1975. Morocco and Mauritania both sought to annex the territory, with Morocco continuing to occupy Western Sahara after Mauritania withdrew in 1979. Since then, the Saharawi people, led by the Polisario Front, have resisted Morocco’s occupation through diplomatic and armed struggle, demanding independence. Despite the United Nations’ recognition of the Saharawi right to self-determination, Morocco’s occupation persists, bolstered by foreign economic interests and political complicity.
The ECJ’s ruling represents a crucial step toward justice, affirming that Morocco has no sovereignty over Western Sahara and cannot legally enter into agreements that exploit the occupied territory's resources. The Communist Party of Kenya condemns the EU’s continued efforts to circumvent this ruling and exploit Western Sahara’s resources in violation of international law.
We call upon African nations, particularly those with revolutionary traditions, to stand with the Saharawi people in their fight for independence. We also urge the government of Kenya to align with this international legal precedent by strengthening solidarity with Western Sahara. As we confront neocolonialism and imperialism across the African continent, it is essential that we support all liberation movements, including that of the Saharawi people, against the exploitation of their land and resources.
The Communist Party of Kenya remains unwavering in its Pan-Africanist commitment to solidarity with all oppressed peoples. We affirm that the struggle of the Saharawi is intrinsically linked to our broader fight against imperialism and for the liberation of all African nations.
In the spirit of internationalism, we reiterate: There is no peace without justice, and there is no justice without independence!
Issued by:
Central Organizing Committee Communist Party of Kenya
