Morocco and Algeria have exchanged accusations concerning Western Sahara, which the United Nations General Assembly considers a "non-self-governing territory." In a session held yesterday, Algerian Ambassador Amar Ben Jamaa requested the right to respond to remarks made by Moroccan Ambassador Omar Hilale, accusing his counterpart of "distorting" statements made by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who reiterated his country's support for organizing a self-determination referendum for Western Sahara during a speech at the same platform last week.
For decades, Rabat and Algiers have been at odds over Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony that Morocco controls about 80% of, proposing to grant it autonomous status under its sovereignty, while the Polisario Front (supported by Algeria) demands a referendum for self-determination. Western Sahara spans an area of 252,000 km along the northwestern coast of the continent and has a low population density, with the UN and World Bank estimating its population at 567,000.
The Algerian ambassador stated, "Each side has its camp. We Algerians have chosen the camp of justice, ending colonialism, freedom, self-determination, and human rights. This commitment applies to the case of the Sahrawi people, who have waited for nearly half a century for the United Nations to achieve justice for them." He added, "If Moroccan occupation has truly turned Western Sahara into a paradise, with or without granting autonomy, then why does it prevent the organization of this referendum?"
The Algerian ambassador dismissed the "terrorism accusations related to the Polisario," stating, "Do not be deceived by anyone, as all dominating forces have always tried to demonize those fighting for freedom," while also expressing his country's condolences to Morocco for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck the kingdom three weeks ago.
In response, the Moroccan ambassador requested the right to reply to his Algerian counterpart's statements, saying, "One cannot shed crocodile tears and simultaneously attack a country that is still enduring a tragedy." He added, "You express your solidarity and support, but at the same time you poison and insult the dead and Moroccans." The Moroccan ambassador emphasized that "the initiative for autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty and territorial integrity remains the only way to close the chapter on this fabricated regional conflict," asserting that "Morocco is present in its Sahara and will remain so for eternity."
The "Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic," proclaimed by the Polisario Front in 1976, has received recognition from several governments and is a member of the African Union.
