Geneva (Switzerland), December 11, 2024 (SPS) — During the conference organized by the Geneva Support Group for Western Sahara, the representative of Mozambique reaffirmed her country's strong support for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and independence. In her intervention, she commemorated the 64th anniversary of the adoption of the historic UN General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV), which establishes the self-determination of all peoples as a fundamental principle of international law.
In her speech, the Mozambican representative highlighted the importance of this resolution as a pillar for decolonization. “Resolution 1514 (XV), adopted in 1960, represents a cornerstone of the international community's commitment to the principles of self-determination and decolonization.” She added, “However, six decades later, the unfinished struggle of territories and peoples that have yet to achieve independence, such as the Sahrawis and Palestinians, reminds us of the persistent challenges and the obligations we must fulfill.”
The representative of Mozambique emphasized that her country’s position is based on its own experience in the fight against colonialism. “Mozambique reaffirms its strong support for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and independence. This position is rooted in our own history as a nation that triumphed over colonial rule thanks to the solidarity of the international community and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter,” she stated.
Mozambique urged the international community to fully implement the relevant UN resolutions, including those from the General Assembly and the Security Council, recognizing the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. “We call for the full implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions, including those from the General Assembly and the Security Council, which recognize the Sahrawi people's right to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development,” she added.
In her address, Mozambique underscored the urgent need for more decisive action by the UN to resolve the situation in Western Sahara. “The deadlock in Western Sahara highlights the need for stronger leadership from the United Nations. We call on the UN and its member states to ensure that the MINURSO mandate is upheld, particularly through the organization of a free and fair referendum,” the representative stated.
Mozambique also urged the UN Security Council to take responsibility regarding the ongoing violations of international law in the region, especially the exploitation of Western Sahara's natural resources without the consent of its people. “The Security Council must take responsibility for addressing the persistent violations of international law in the territory, including the exploitation of Western Sahara's natural resources without the consent of its people,” she emphasized.
The Mozambican representative praised the stance of the African continent, through the African Union (AU), which has shown firm solidarity with the Sahrawi people. “The African Union has taken a principled position on Western Sahara, recognizing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). This is an example of African solidarity with the Sahrawi people and a call for collective action,” she indicated.
As an active member of the international community, Mozambique reiterated its commitment to all diplomatic efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict. “Only through self-determination can lasting peace be achieved in Western Sahara, contributing to stability and development throughout the region. We support all diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a fair and lasting solution,” concluded the representative.
Finally, Mozambique urged all present to honor the legacy of Resolution 1514 (XV) not only with words but with concrete actions. “The Sahrawi people deserve nothing less. History will judge us by our commitment to the principles we profess. It is time to act and end the occupation in Western Sahara, as demanded by international law,” she concluded.
This event is part of diplomatic efforts to address the Western Sahara conflict, a territory still fighting for its self-determination after more than 40 years of Moroccan occupation. The conference underscored the importance of following the principles established in the UN Resolution 1514, which recognizes the right to self-determination of all peoples, and the need for concrete actions to ensure that the Sahrawi people can exercise that right. With the active participation of countries like Mozambique, the international community continues to demand compliance with UN resolutions and an end to the occupation in Western Sahara.
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