Algerian Institute for Global Strategic Studies Organizes Seminar Exposing Morocco’s Violations of International Law in Western Sahara
BY: Hana Saada
AlGIERS- In a resolute effort to shed light on the complex issue of Western Sahara and the blatant disregard for international law by Morocco, the Algerian Institute for Global Strategic Studies organized, under the leadership of its Director-General, Mr. Abdelaziz Medjahed, the second edition of its seminar series, addressing the theme “Morocco and the lack of respect for international law: The Sahrawi issue as a model.”
Distinguished attendees included a high-ranking delegation from the Polisario Front, underscoring the significance of the topic. Among the prominent figures present were Mr. Hamma Salama, Head of the National Council; Mr. Abdelkader Taleb Omar, Sahrawi Ambassador to Algeria; and Mrs. Al-Nakia Salem, a member of the National Secretariat with responsibilities for supervision, public organizations, and civil society.
The symposium witnessed the presentation of three profound lectures by distinguished scholars, delving into the historical, legal, and political aspects of the Western Sahara dispute.
The symposium commenced with a comprehensive exploration by Prof. Dr. Djamal Abdelnacer Manea, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at the University of Badji Mokhtar Annaba. His lecture, titled “Moroccan Territorial Claims against Neighboring Countries,” revealed Morocco’s expansionist ambitions, which extend beyond its borders, commencing with Algeria and later extending to Mauritania and Western Sahara. The professor highlighted Morocco’s consistent expansionist endeavors since 1963, stretching from Algeria to Western Sahara, based on a colonial ideology. He underscored that Morocco’s claims are founded on manipulation of international law, and emphasized the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination while refuting Morocco’s assertions.
Mr. Abdelhakim Aliat delivered an enlightening lecture titled “The Sahara Issue in Light of the Decisions and Rulings of the Court of Justice of the European Union.” He meticulously analyzed the agreements between the Moroccan occupation and the European Union, particularly those involving Western Sahara. Aliat emphasized that the European Court of Justice had invalidated trade agreements covering Western Sahara territory in 2016 and 2021 and that these decisions reaffirmed the legal rights of the Sahrawi people. He highlighted the landmark 2021 ruling that recognized the Polisario Front as the sole and legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people in international courts.
Mr. Aliat vehemently opposed the “dangerous deviation” of the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, in recognizing Morocco’s purported sovereignty over Western Sahara, as it flagrantly disregards international law and undermines the fundamental principle of self-determination.
The seminar also featured a lecture by Sahrawi Ambassador Mr. Abdelkader Taleb Omar, titled “Spain’s Negative Deviation towards Western Sahara.” Ambassador Omar discussed the implications of Spain’s legislative elections on the Sahrawi issue, emphasizing the growing public sympathy for the Sahrawi cause in Spain and its centrality in electoral considerations.
Throughout the symposium, a common thread emerged: the critical importance of international law as a safeguard against the manipulation of facts and principles. The speakers collectively warned against Morocco’s manipulative tactics, which seek to distort the reality of Western Sahara’s decolonization and undermine the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
As the symposium drew to a close, Mr. Hamma Salama, Head of the National Council, lauded the Algerian Institute for Comprehensive Strategic Studies for its dedication to unearthing the legal and historical foundations of the Sahrawi issue. He underscored the significance of rigorous research and deep analysis in exposing Morocco’s violations of international law, pressing for the decolonization of Western Sahara, and upholding the Sahrawi people’s legitimate struggle.
The seminar stands as a powerful testament to the commitment of scholars and activists to championing the rights of the Sahrawi people, highlighting the imperative of adhering to international law, and ensuring the realization of justice and self-determination for Western Sahara.
