Spanish ministry’s display of Polisario flag sparks controversy over Sahara policy

Saturday 06 September 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Spanish ministry’s display of Polisario flag sparks controversy over Sahara policy

A public display of the Polisario Front’s flag inside Spain’s Ministry for Youth and Children has stirred debate about the country’s stance on the Sahara conflict. Minister Sira Rego, who is of Palestinian descent, reportedly displayed a sign reading “España con el Sáhara” (Spain with the Sahara) alongside the flag of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).

The act has drawn criticism and raised concerns over Spain’s commitment to its recent policy shift, which supports Morocco’s autonomy plan for Sahara. Observers view the gesture as a provocative move that undermines Spain’s diplomatic alignment with Morocco.

Spain’s shift in Sahara policy

In March 2022, Spain officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy proposal, describing it as “the most serious, realistic, and credible” basis for resolving the Sahara dispute. This marked a significant departure from Spain’s previous neutral stance and aligned the country with Morocco’s position. The shift was seen as a pivotal moment in Spanish foreign policy, strengthening bilateral relations with Morocco.

However, Minister Rego’s public display of the Polisario flag has been interpreted as a challenge to this official policy. Critics argue that it signals internal divisions within Spain’s government on the Sahara issue.

Minister Rego’s controversial actions

This is not the first time that Sira Rego has drawn attention for her stance on Sahara. In July 2024, she hosted a delegation from the Coordination of Associations Supporting the Sahara (CEAS) at her ministry, along with Polisario representatives and children from the “Vacaciones en Paz” program. Such actions have been viewed as direct critiques of the Spanish government’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan.

Rego’s latest move comes at a time when Morocco is gaining considerable international support for its proposal to resolve the Sahara conflict.

Growing global backing for Morocco’s autonomy plan

Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan has garnered increasing support from international actors. In June 2025, the United Kingdom formally endorsed the proposal, describing it as the “most credible, viable, and pragmatic” solution. The UK’s backing aligns with similar endorsements from France, the United States, and several African nations, including Ghana, which recently shifted its position to support Morocco’s plan.

This wave of endorsements has strengthened Morocco’s diplomatic momentum, isolating the Polisario Front and its primary backer, Algeria, on the global stage.

Diplomatic implications

The display of the Polisario flag at a Spanish ministry risks straining diplomatic relations with Morocco, which has been a crucial partner for Spain in areas such as trade, security, and migration. As Spain navigates its role in the evolving geopolitics of North Africa, maintaining consistency in its foreign policy will be essential to preserving its strategic partnership with Morocco.