Dr. Mohamed Doumir Exposes Historical Moroccan Ambitions Over Western Sahara Amidst Its Failure to Liberate Ceuta and Melilla from Spanish Control

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | August 5th, 2024 — In a recent appearance on “Dzair Tube” channel’s program “Remontada,” historian and content creator Dr. Mohamed Doumir provided a critical analysis of Moroccan historical claims to the Western Sahara, juxtaposed with its historical failures to reclaim the Spanish-held cities of Ceuta and Melilla.

Dr. Doumir detailed several historical instances of Moroccan ambitions in Western Sahara, noting that the region was occupied multiple times by Moroccan rulers. He cited the invasion by Saadian Sultan in 1590 and later by Alaouite Sultan Ismail in 1699, following the Alaouite revolt against the Saadians. He questioned, with a touch of irony, the inconsistency of Moroccan scholars who today condemn popular revolts against the Alaouites, despite the fact that these rulers themselves had once rebelled against the Saadians.

Dr. Doumir emphasized that Sultan Ismail’s conquests extended to vast territories, including parts of Algeria, reaching as far as the city of Chlef. He argued that although some Moroccan proponents might use historical maps to claim these briefly occupied Algerian territories as Moroccan, this does not reflect the reality of historical sovereignty. He stressed that borders are defined not by temporary military control but by formal treaties and agreements.

In a pointed critique, Dr. Doumir addressed Moroccan supporters of the claim to Western Sahara, questioning why they do not demand the return of Ceuta and Melilla, which are strategically more significant. He argued that the Moroccan regime’s approach reflects a double standard. By paying customs fees to Spain for maritime access to these cities, Morocco demonstrates a compromise with Spanish sovereignty, yet it continues to assert claims over Western Sahara, a territory it does not fully control.

Dr. Doumir’s analysis highlights the discrepancy between Morocco’s historical claims and its current diplomatic actions, accusing the Moroccan regime of hypocrisy and questioning its commitment to genuine territorial integrity. His remarks suggest that the regime’s focus on Western Sahara, while neglecting the more strategic Ceuta and Melilla, reveals a troubling inconsistency in its nationalist narrative and political strategy.

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