Berlin Strikes a New Blow Against Morocco’s El Makhzen Following EU Court Ruling

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | October 11th, 2024 — Germany has taken a decisive stance in support of the Sahrawi people by endorsing the recent ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) regarding the invalidity of agricultural and fishing agreements between the European Union (EU) and Morocco. The agreements, which were signed in 2019, have now been deemed void due to the failure to obtain the consent of the Sahrawi people, a crucial step in accordance with international law.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Annika Clasen-Edris, spokesperson for the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, affirmed Berlin’s acceptance of the CJEU ruling, underscoring the importance of respecting the independence of international institutions and upholding legal principles.

In a tweet posted on October 9, 2024, Clasen-Edris reiterated the significance of the ruling:

“حكمت محكمة العدل الأوروبية مؤخرا لصالح شعب الصحراء الغربية، مؤكدة أن الاتفاقات الموقعة بين #الاتحاد_الأوروبي و #المغرب عام 2019 كان ينبغي أن تحظى بموافقة شعب الصحراء الغربية. وبالتالي فإن الاتفاقات باطلة.”

(“The European Court of Justice recently ruled in favor of the Sahrawi people, confirming that the agreements signed between the EU and Morocco in 2019 should have had the consent of the Sahrawi people. Therefore, the agreements are null and void.”)

The ruling is seen as a major setback for Morocco’s El Makhzen regime, which has long sought to secure international legitimacy for its claims over Western Sahara. The EU-Morocco agreements, which covered key sectors like agriculture and fisheries, had enabled Morocco to profit from resources located within the disputed Western Sahara region, without the necessary approval of the indigenous Sahrawi population.

The ruling adds to the growing pressure on Morocco from international actors to cease its illegal activities in Western Sahara. It also sends a strong message to other EU member states that economic agreements must adhere to international norms and respect the rights of all peoples, particularly those under occupation.

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