The Nigerian Movement for the Libration of Western Sahara (NMLWS) has urged the United Nations General Assembly to as a matter of urgency set a date for the holding of self determination referandum for the people of Western Sahara.
The group which comprises of labour and civil society, while speaking in an event to commemorate the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic National Day in Abuja, said it is unfortunate for the Morocco to continue occupying the territory of the western Sahara people.
The coordinator of the group, Dr. Dipo Fashina told Journalists that the freedom of the people of Western Sahara should not be traded for any economic gain.
He also urge Nigeria Government to support the freedom and Independence of the people Western Sahara.
“It is vital that the UN General Assembly sets a date for the holding of the selfdetermination referendum for the people of Western Sahara. Any delay in enabling the Sahrawi people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and independence risk further destabilising an already volatile situation in the region, and prolong the historical injustice meted out to the people Of Western Sahara by Moroccan colonisers.
“Nigeria’s rulers must give more decisive, more principled support to the independence Of Western Sahara, given the countries decisive role in the evolution of the African Union’s support for the independence of Western Sahara. African countries must stand firm in defence of the right of the Saharawi people to self~ rule”.
The group further challenge the African Union not to compromise with Morocco’s goal of subventing Western Sahara Independence within the AU.
According to Comrade Fashina, the adminsion of Morocco into ECOWAS should be reversed, because it was a technical error on the part of ECOWAS.
“ECOWAS to reverse its admission of Morocco because it was a tactical calculation on the part of Morocco and an error on the part of ECOWAS
“The UN and the AU are called upon to intensify efforts to bring Moroccan colonial occupation of Western Sahara to an end.
“We call on the Nigerian Government to stop the on-going trade in phosphates literally stolen by Morocco from Western Sahara,
“We call on the Nigerian Government to resume its leading role in the realization of the independence of Western Sahara.
“We condemn Morocco for constantly frustrating the decolonization process.
“We urge the UN Security Council to establish a human rights component within the mandate of MINURSO with a view to protecting, monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation of the Saharawi people as long as the conflict remains unresolved”.