The Spanish academic Rafael Esparza Machín, founder of the Association of Friendship and Cooperation between the Canary Islands and Morocco, stated that the dispute over Western Sahara is nearing its end, predicting that the international community will fully recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the region within two or three years at most.
In comments to Assahifa English, Esparza emphasized that the progress made by Morocco on this issue at the international level is not facing significant obstacles, despite temporary pressure from some opposing countries. He noted that the next steps in the Western Sahara file will take place at the level of the European Parliament and the United Nations.
Esparza stressed that the pressure exerted by Algeria regarding the Western Sahara issue would not have a lasting impact, adding that "time is on Morocco's side," making international recognition merely a matter of time, not exceeding a few years.
Regarding relations between Morocco and the Canary Islands, the Spanish academic pointed out that the situation is progressing positively in favor of Morocco, especially after the visit of the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, to Rabat and his meetings with Moroccan officials. He noted that the Canarian Coalition declared its support for the Spanish government’s stance on Western Sahara, after previously maintaining an unclear position.
Esparza mentioned that the strong relations between the Government of the Canary Islands and Morocco stem from their cooperation on issues like combating illegal immigration, which is a significant concern for the islands. He affirmed that this cooperation demonstrates the increasing mutual understanding between the two sides, thereby strengthening Morocco’s position in the region.
When asked about the possibility of Spain’s stance on the Western Sahara issue changing in the future, the Spanish academic insisted that this is now impossible. He added that even if the right-wing Popular Party were to come to power, it would not alter Spain's current position, noting that the stances of political parties differ when they are in opposition versus when they hold power.
He went on to say that relations between Morocco and Spain extend over long historical periods, acknowledging that Spain made mistakes during its colonial era in Morocco, particularly concerning the Western Sahara. He affirmed that Spain should have fully withdrawn from Morocco in 1957, including Sahar region, as France did in Algeria.
Esparza pointed out that some Spanish political parties, such as "Podemos" and "Sumar," do not agree with the official government stance on the Western Sahara issue. However, over time, it has become clear to everyone that the Polisario Front is merely an interest-driven organization, and that Algeria has its own motives in this conflict.
He concluded by asserting that the world is increasingly leaning toward supporting Morocco’s proposal of autonomy as a final solution to the Western Sahara conflict, considering that this trend will soon bring an end to the regional dispute.
