Commemorating 50 Years Since Spain’s Withdrawal from Western Sahara
This year marks a significant milestone—the 50th anniversary of Spain’s departure from Western Sahara, a territory whose complex history continues to resonate with both the Spanish and Sahrawi people. A special exhibition titled “Presencia Española en el Sáhara” aims to chronicle this transformative period, shedding light on the intricate ties that existed between these two regions.
Exhibition Highlights
The exhibition, which has traveled from the Centro de Historia y Cultura in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the Brigada de Canarias XVI in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, makes its way to Fuerteventura. This island, perhaps more than others, felt the ramifications of Western Sahara’s withdrawal. The exhibition offers a rich tapestry of narratives, artifacts, and visual materials that collectively aim to provide a nuanced understanding of this historical episode.
Historical Context
In 1975, as the decolonization movement gained momentum worldwide, the United Nations sent a committee to Western Sahara. Among them was José Luis de Pablos, a journalist and photographic reporter for Televisión Española. His photographic testimony from this tumultuous era serves as a powerful reminder of the difficulties and uncertainties faced by those involved.
The exhibition segments these historical events into ten distinct themes, each chronologically ordered, offering visitors a structured and engaging way to absorb the complex history:
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The Sahara in Antiquity: Delve into the historical roots of the region long before the arrival of the Spanish.
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Spanish Arrival and Urban Development: Explore how the Spanish significantly impacted the landscape and urban planning of the Sahara.
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Sahara as a Spanish Province: Understand the dynamics during the era when the Sahara was officially recognized as part of Spain.
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UN Involvement: Gain insights into the role of the United Nations and the international community’s response to the situation in Western Sahara.
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Family Demonstrations: Experience the poignant moments captured during family protests for the whereabouts of military members missing in action.
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Attacks on Local Police: Reflect on the tragic incidents that marked this turbulent time, including the attacks against local authorities.
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Military Casualties: Witness the somber return of soldiers who lost their lives and the impact on their families and communities.
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The Green March: Learn about the mass movement that played a critical role in Spain’s decision to withdraw from the region.
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Civilian Exodus: Understand the human toll, as civilian populations were forced to vacate in the ensuing chaos.
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Departure of Spanish Troops: Conclude with the events surrounding the withdrawal of Spanish forces, a pivotal moment in the region’s history.
Support and Logistics
This exhibition would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the Regimiento de Infantería Soria 9 and the Excelentísimo Ayuntamiento de Puerto del Rosario. Their collaboration showcases the community’s commitment to honoring this significant chapter of shared history.
Visitors can view the exhibition at the Casa de la Cultura in Puerto del Rosario from September 9 to September 23, 2025. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with free admission to all.
For those interested in visual materials, additional images and resources related to the exhibition can be found here.
Final Thoughts
The “Presencia Española en el Sáhara” exhibition serves not just as a historical exploration but as a bridge connecting past and present. It highlights the significance of remembering and addressing historical events that shape identities, societies, and geopolitics today. Attending this exhibition provides an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of colonialism, the pursuit of autonomy, and the lasting impacts of history on contemporary narratives.
