Algeria Stands Unyielding in Face of Morocco’s Allegations Regarding Western Sahara Cause
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The recent meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Baku witnessed a heated debate on the Western Sahara issue, where Algeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mr. Amar Bendjama, strongly responded to the baseless allegations made by Morocco’s representative, Omar Hilal. The Algerian diplomat presented overwhelming evidence to counter the Moroccan claims and firmly defended Algeria’s stance.
In his speech, Mr. Hilal, known for acting as the mouthpiece of the Makhzen regime, resorted to indirect allusions without having the courage to directly mention Algeria’s name. He made futile attempts to undermine Algeria’s positions by repeatedly using titles such as “the artificial conflict,” “the Moroccan Sahara,” and “the Sahara in its Moroccanness.”
In response to the claims made, Ambassador Amar Bendjama wasted no time in firmly reiterating Algeria’s unwavering stance on the Western Sahara issue. With a resolute tone, he referenced the commendable remarks of Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf. It was emphasized that Mr. Attaf had praised the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for consistently standing in solidarity with both the Palestinian and Sahrawi causes. Through this reference, Ambassador Bendjama shed light on the continuous attempts aimed at obfuscating, distorting, deceiving, and spreading misinformation concerning these just causes.
However, Mr. Hilal’s attempt to differentiate between the two causes and argue their irrelevance, while emphasizing potential offense to the Palestinian people, was not left unchallenged. Ambassador Bendjama promptly highlighted an important reality that couldn’t be ignored—the Moroccan regime’s exploitation of the Palestinian issue for its own political gains, which has resulted in greater harm to the Palestinian people than any other country. By emphasizing this crucial point, Ambassador Bendjama effectively underscored the hypocrisy of those who seek to detach the Western Sahara issue from the broader struggle for justice and self-determination, perpetuated by the Moroccan regime itself.
In his unequivocal response, Ambassador Bendjama demonstrated Algeria’s commitment to exposing the manipulative tactics employed by those who attempt to undermine the righteous causes of Palestine and Western Sahara. By reaffirming Algeria’s principled stance, he revealed the Moroccan regime’s disingenuous actions, thus challenging the narrative that seeks to separate these interconnected issues. Through his strong and persuasive arguments, Ambassador Bendjama made it clear that the struggle for justice and freedom in both Palestine and Western Sahara cannot be disentangled, and that those who exploit these causes for their own benefit ultimately harm the very people they claim to support.
In addition, Ambassador Bendjama emphasized that the Western Sahara issue has been a consistent item on the NAM’s agenda, as reiterated in the final declaration of the ministerial meeting in Baku. The declaration unequivocally emphasizes the NAM’ support for the Sahrawi people’s inalienable right to self-determination and independence, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
Furthermore, Ambassador Bendjama reaffirmed Algeria’s unwavering support for the just causes of Western Sahara, Palestine, and other struggles worldwide. He stated, “We Algerians see this as a duty and are immensely proud of it because it is an integral part of our identity and our DNA.”
Regarding Palestine, Ambassador Bendjama reiterated Algeria’s well-known position of unwavering support for the Palestinian people who have endured the Zionist occupation for 75 years. The Non-Aligned Movement has consistently condemned this occupation and called for its immediate end.
On the Western Sahara issue, Algeria’s position is resolute and in alignment with other member states of the Non-Aligned Movement. Algeria firmly rejects the occupation of Sahrawi territories by Morocco and stands in unwavering solidarity with the Sahrawi people. By vocalizing this stance, Algeria highlights its commitment to justice and the right to self-determination.
In conclusion, Ambassador Bendjama eloquently calls for justice to be served to the Sahrawi people, who courageously continue their struggle for self-determination. Algeria supports their cause and advocates for a referendum supervised by the United Nations, in line with the principles of decolonization upheld by the international community. Through these strong statements, Algeria exemplifies its firm commitment to championing just causes and promoting global solidarity.
