The Polisario Front seeks renewed support in Uruguay following its political shift to the left, as evidenced by Brahim Ghali’s attendance at President Yamandú Orsi’s inauguration. However, it faces substantial challenges with recent recognition withdrawals from Panama and Ecuador, and calls from Colombian Congress to reevaluate relations with the SADR.
The Polisario Front is leveraging Uruguay’s political shift to gain support in South America. Brahim Ghali attended the inauguration of the new Uruguayan president, Yamandú Orsi, signaling the Front’s strategic engagement as reported by their news agency on March 2. This aligns with Uruguay’s long-standing recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) since December 26, 2005, following the rise of the left-wing coalition, Frente Amplio, in 2004.
Despite the election of center-right president Luis Lacalle Pou in December 2019, Uruguay’s stance on recognizing the SADR saw little change. However, the current geopolitical climate poses challenges for the Polisario, as evidenced by Panamanian and Ecuadorian decisions to suspend recognition of the SADR. Following these developments, Colombian Congress passed a resolution on February 14 urging President Gustavo Petro to reconsider his relationship with the SADR, established in August 2022.
The Polisario Front faces challenges in South America, particularly as countries such as Panama and Ecuador reassess their recognition of the SADR. Uruguayan support remains intact, bolstered by a political shift to the left, yet overall setbacks highlight the fragile nature of the Front’s diplomatic standing in the region.
Original Source: en.yabiladi.com
