Algeria’s UN Representative Nadir Larbaoui Corrects Misinformation on Western Sahara Issue

BY: Hana Saada

New York, September 28, 2023 – Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Nadir Larbaoui, took the floor at the General Assembly to address misrepresentations made by Morocco’s UN representative, Omar Hilal, regarding the Western Sahara issue. In a passionate speech, Larbaoui set the record straight, highlighting Algeria’s historical commitment to decolonization, self-determination, and justice for all peoples living under foreign domination.

Larbaoui began his address by acknowledging President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s firm support for oppressed peoples worldwide, underscoring Algeria’s deeply rooted history of resisting colonialism. He emphasized that Algeria’s advocacy for the liberation of oppressed nations stems from its own struggle for freedom against French colonialists, making it a poignant and unwavering advocate for justice on the world stage.

The heart of Larbaoui’s message centered on the Western Sahara conflict, which has endured for nearly five decades. He emphasized that Algeria’s commitment to justice and self-determination extends to the Sahrawi people, who have long awaited the recognition of their right to self-determination. Larbaoui urged the United Nations to fulfill its responsibility by implementing Resolution 1514, which calls for granting independence to colonial countries and peoples.

Larbaoui provided historical context, reminding the assembly that in 1975, the Western Sahara was partitioned between Morocco and Mauritania, with the former subsequently occupying the entire territory. The United Nations responded by establishing the United Nations Mission to Regulate Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) to oversee a free and transparent referendum for the Sahrawi people.

However, Larbaoui expressed disappointment that MINURSO has yet to fulfill its mandate, as it consistently obstructs the organization of the long-awaited referendum. He questioned why, if the Moroccan occupation were as beneficial as some claimed, they would prevent the Sahrawi people from having their say in a referendum on their future.

Larbaoui stressed that the Western Sahara issue is unequivocally a matter of decolonization, a fact evident to anyone who examines the United Nations General Assembly’s Business Council and the Committee of 24. Algeria, Larbaoui noted, is not a party to the conflict; the two main parties are the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front.

Drawing attention to past resolutions passed by the United Nations Council and General Assembly, Larbaoui reiterated that a ceasefire and a referendum were negotiated as a means to resolve the conflict. He urged the international community to support the Sahrawi people in determining their future through a transparent and United Nations-organized referendum.

In closing, Larbaoui emphasized that Algeria’s unwavering support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination is no secret. It is a commitment reaffirmed by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in his recent address to the General Assembly. Algeria, he stated, will continue to champion justice, decolonization, and the right to self-determination for all oppressed peoples, including the Sahrawi people, until their aspirations are realized.

Here is his full statement:

“I would like to address the statements made by the Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations. I feel compelled to correct some inaccuracies regarding the Western Sahara issue that were presented. The Moroccan delegate seemed to misrepresent the stance expressed by His Excellency President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in his recent address to the General Assembly.

President Tebboune unequivocally declared Algeria’s unwavering support for all nations striving to break free from foreign domination. It is essential to recognize that this commitment is deeply rooted in our own history—a history marked by our relentless struggle for independence from French colonial rule. Algeria has consistently stood for justice, the eradication of colonialism, and the pursuit of freedom and the right to self-determination. This principled commitment extends to the Sahrawi people, who have patiently awaited their right to self-determination for nearly half a century. We expect the United Nations to deliver justice for this oppressed community and to uphold Resolution 1514, which calls for the independence of colonial territories and peoples.

Allow me to provide some historical context. In 1975, the Western Sahara was divided between the Kingdom of Morocco and Mauritania, only to be completely occupied by Morocco three years later. In response, the United Nations established the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) to uphold international law and oversee a free and transparent referendum on the fate of the Sahrawi people. Unfortunately, MINURSO has been consistently obstructed from organizing this referendum, and proposals for self-rule have failed to gain consensus.

The situation in Western Sahara is clear: it remains under Moroccan occupation. If this occupation were as beneficial as claimed, why prevent a referendum to ascertain the Sahrawi people’s wishes—whether they want to remain with Morocco or seek independence?

It is crucial to emphasize that the Western Sahara issue is fundamentally a decolonization matter, as underscored by the United Nations General Assembly’s Special Political and Decolonization Committee and the Committee of 24. The solution lies in organizing a self-determination referendum.

Furthermore, it’s essential to clarify that Algeria is not a party to this conflict. The principal parties involved are the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front. Ceasefire agreements have been negotiated, and a referendum has long been contemplated, as evident in United Nations resolutions. The international community has consistently called for the Sahrawi people to determine their future transparently through a United Nations-organized referendum.

To reiterate, Algeria has consistently and unequivocally supported the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, as reaffirmed by President Tebboune’s recent speech. This support is grounded in our commitment to justice, decolonization, and the fundamental principle that peoples living under foreign rule should have the opportunity to decide their own destiny.”