Benjamin Stora Urges France to Uphold International Legitimacy on Western Sahara’s Right to Self-Determination

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 6th, 2025 — In a recent interview with the Algerian government newspaper El Massa, French historian Benjamin Stora emphasized the need for France to return to international legitimacy concerning the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination. Stora, known for his expertise in the history of Franco-Algerian relations, asserted that France’s stance on the Western Sahara conflict has long been a source of tension in its relations with Algeria.

Reflecting on the history of diplomatic impasses between the two nations, Stora traced the origins of the discord to the issue of Western Sahara and what is often referred to as Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed region. He argued that the ongoing deadlock in diplomatic relations was largely due to France’s support for Morocco’s position, which has been a point of contention for Algeria, a vocal supporter of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.

“I believe that the French authorities need to return to international legitimacy and respect the international law that recognizes the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination,” Stora stated. He emphasized that this legal principle is enshrined in numerous United Nations charters, which have long addressed the Western Sahara conflict. According to Stora, adhering to these longstanding UN resolutions would not only be a step towards justice for the Sahrawi people but also serve as a foundation for mending strained bilateral ties between Algeria and France.

Stora further underscored that the restoration of trust between the two countries is crucial for the normalization of relations. “The relationship of trust between Algeria and France has become exceedingly fragile, and it is essential for both nations to rebuild that trust to allow for a natural and productive partnership moving forward,” he remarked.

His call for France to reassess its position on the Western Sahara conflict represents a significant appeal for a return to the principles of self-determination and justice, core tenets of international law, in order to resolve one of the most protracted disputes in the region.

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