Young Socialists: Can you explain the history and aims of the Polisario Front and the Sahrawi National Women's Union?

Salec: The history of our organizations begins in 1973 with the struggle for the decolonization of Western Sahara. Ours is a struggle for a free land. Of course this struggle began against Spanish colonization. On Feb. 27, 1976, Spain withdrew its last troops after a three-party agreement with Morocco and Mauritania to divide our country. The agreement was a flagrant violation of the right of self-determination of the Sahrawi people.

With the division of our country we declared our republic and started fighting against the invasion by the governments of Mauritania and Morocco. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is a full member of the Organization of African Unity. A lot of countries have recognized our country and government. We defeated Mauritania and have liberated part of Western Sahara from Moroccan occupation and still continue to fight to liberate the rest of our country. Very briefly, these are the main objectives of the Polisario Front.

The Sahrawi National Women's Union was created during Spanish colonization, and called for women's rights and decolonization. After the withdrawal of Spain, it became an instrument for women to support the just struggle of our people against the invasion of Morocco. We are fighting not only to free our land but also for justice and equality. No one can speak about the Sahrawi struggle and Sahrawi liberation without speaking about the proud role that women play in our society.

Our women are fighting on two fronts. The first is to have a free and independent state. Without a state we can do nothing. Secondly, we are the motor force in the struggle to change the view that men have of women, and to get women to play their full role in our society. With one gender you cannot have any future. We need men and women to make our future.

Young Socialists: What is happening today in Western Sahara?

Salec: We are seeing a great violation of the right to self-determination because our country has been forcibly divided by the Moroccan invasion. One part of our people lives in exile under hard conditions, the other part lives under foreign occupation. There is repression and no respect for human rights in the occupied territories.

Young Socialists: What is your opinion of the world youth festival?

Salec: I can say that it's a successful festival because of the large number of participants, the large number of activities, and the high value of the discussion. We sent a big delegation to meet with others in different parts of the world to exchange views and experiences. We might not agree but we should converse. It's very important also to reinforce the solidarity between youth. We want a future without oppression.

Young Socialists: After the independence vote, what next?

Salec: We can read from the experience of liberation movements in the past that women can take, and did take, a great role in the struggle, only to be marginalized after independence. Our women are very concerned with this situation and we are making our own plan and our own strategy to guarantee our presence and to play a big role in the running of our state. We are Arab and we are Muslim women. Religion is very important for any woman and for any man but it should not be a reason or excuse to marginalize women.  
 
 
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