Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), 25 August 2025 (SPS) - The Representative of the Sahrawi Republic to the Caribbean, Ambassador Mohamed Zroug, has called on the government of Trinidad and Tobago and Caribbean nations in general to support the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, a legitimate right guaranteed by international law and United Nations resolutions.
According to the "Trinidad & Tobago Guardian" newspaper, Mr. Mohamed Zroug, speaking at a joint press conference with David Abdulah, head of the Movement for Social Justice and a prominent trade union activist, held at the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union headquarters in Port of Spain, stated that Western Sahara is the last colony in Africa. He emphasized the necessity for the Sahrawi people to be enabled to exercise their right to self-determination freely and democratically through a referendum supervised by the United Nations.
He pointed to the ongoing Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara, outlining the scale of suffering endured by the Sahrawi people due to the proliferation of over seven million landmines and restrictions on independent media, alongside the illegal exploitation of natural resources.
The Sahrawi diplomat stressed that respect for Sahrawi sovereignty and adherence to international humanitarian law is imperative, and that United Nations and African Union resolutions concerning the Sahrawi Republic "must be implemented urgently." He called on states and regional organizations to assume their responsibilities regarding decolonization and the protection of human rights.
He also praised the positions of the Trinidad and Tobago government and civil society, considering their commitment to international law and their support for the principle of self-determination a "positive model." Mr Mohamed Zroug also highlighted the upcoming summit between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union, scheduled for September 6-7 in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, describing it as "an important occasion to reaffirm shared values and enhance cooperation in the areas of democracy, peace, sustainable development, and justice."
He concluded by saying: "A just and lasting peace in Western Sahara is only possible through adherence to international law and the involvement of the Sahrawi people in determining their future via a free and credible referendum."
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