Why Spain’s New Sahrawi Citizenship Law Matters to Morocco

The recent passage of a bill granting special citizenship to Sahrawis born during Spanish rule has strained Madrid’s ties with Rabat. On the surface, the measure appears to be a humanitarian gesture aimed at addressing a historical injustice. However, closer examination reveals more nuanced considerations.

Those born in Western Sahara during Spanish rule will be eligible for Spanish citizenship through a special procedure, exempt from traditional residency requirements. This would allow between 70,000 and 110,000 people to obtain Spanish nationality and with it, EU citizenship, acquiring rights and privileges associated with membership. Morocco is concerned about this development because it could strengthen ties between Spain and individuals connected to Western Sahara.

This raises questions about the long-term implications for regional dynamics. Morocco’s anxiety stems from the potential growth of a community of Spanish and EU citizens with personal or family links to an issue at the heart of its relationship with Madrid. The timing of the bill is also noteworthy, coming after Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez backed Morocco’s autonomy proposal in 2022. This decision helped repair relations between Madrid and Rabat but now seems to be undermined by this citizenship law.

The debate within Spain has been contentious, with supporters arguing that the measure is necessary to right historical wrongs and critics claiming it’s an overreach. This division speaks volumes about Spain’s ongoing struggle to come to terms with its colonial legacy. Some have drawn parallels with the 2015 Sephardic nationality law, which allowed descendants of Spanish Jews to reclaim their citizenship. While this precedent may seem relevant, it also highlights Spain’s willingness to use historical ties as a tool for establishing special nationality routes.

The situation is further complicated by Ceuta and Melilla, two cities under Spanish administration but considered integral to Morocco. This has sparked tensions between the two countries in the past, with Morocco viewing these enclaves as essential to its sovereignty. Spain’s response to this citizenship bill will likely be closely watched by Rabat, which may see it as a potential threat to its territorial claims.

Ultimately, what’s at stake here is not just the future of Western Sahara but also Spain’s relationship with its own colonial past. By passing this bill, Madrid is sending a message that it’s willing to confront the complexities of its historical legacy, even if it means alienating itself from its North African neighbors. As this situation unfolds, one thing is certain: Spain’s actions will have far-reaching implications for regional dynamics and may mark a turning point in its relationship with Morocco – and its own identity as a nation.