Dzair Tube Sources: Grave Risks, Heavy Repercussions Await Foreign Companies Investing in Morocco-Occupied Western Sahara

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 22nd, 2025 — As certain nations align with Morocco’s so-called ‘autonomy plan for Western Sahara’, a surge of foreign enterprises has expressed interest in establishing ventures within the disputed and occupied territories. This audacious move overlooks the profound risks and legal entanglements awaiting them, compounded by widespread international opposition and the firm stance of the Sahrawi people.

Sources close to Dzair Tube revealed that during French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Rabat in late October, the French presidential entourage actively encouraged French companies to invest in Western Sahara, despite a pivotal ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on October 4. The ECJ annulled agreements between the European Union and Morocco involving resources from the contested region, underscoring the illegality of such deals under international law.

A Legal Quagmire and Security Perils

The Institute for International and Strategic Relations (IRIS), a renowned think tank, recently issued a comprehensive memorandum highlighting the myriad dangers awaiting foreign companies operating in this occupied territory. The report warned that such ventures fall into a “legal grey zone,” with severe implications for businesses entangled in operations that violate international norms.

From a legal perspective, companies risk breaching international laws, as Morocco’s status as an occupying power imposes stringent obligations. These include prohibitions on exploiting the region’s natural resources without the explicit consent of the Sahrawi people and banning the demographic engineering of the territory through population transfers.

Additionally, IRIS emphasized security concerns, noting that investments in these territories undermine the global commitment to international law and provoke reputational damage for the firms involved. Omar Mansour, the Polisario Front’s representative to Europe, underscored these risks, citing examples of companies involved in green energy projects in Western Sahara. He warned, “These investments yield no tangible benefits to the companies and expose their workers to serious harm.”

Morocco’s Violations and Corporate Complicity

The IRIS report further detailed Morocco’s systematic violations of its obligations as an occupying power. These include incentivizing mass settlement of Moroccan citizens in the region to alter its demographic makeup and unilaterally exploiting Western Sahara’s natural wealth, often in partnership with foreign enterprises. Such practices blatantly disregard the principles of sovereignty and self-determination, as enshrined in international law.

The report also drew attention to Morocco’s extensive use of foreign companies to extract and commercialize resources, intensifying the conflict. Notably, the Danish consultancy firm COWI, a signatory of the UN Global Compact on corporate social responsibility, announced in February 2024 that it would cease all projects in Western Sahara until the region’s political status is resolved. This decision exemplifies the growing unease among corporations over reputational and ethical concerns.

Reputational Risks and International Backlash

IRIS highlighted that media scrutiny and mounting public pressure have already driven several multinational corporations to withdraw from Western Sahara. Companies face the dual threat of economic losses and irreparable damage to their reputations. The memorandum cited cases where firms either halted operations or severed ties with Moroccan entities in the disputed territory to avoid being complicit in human rights violations.

The United Nations has consistently reaffirmed the importance of improving human rights conditions in Western Sahara. The continued exploitation of the region’s resources by foreign companies, facilitated by Morocco, exacerbates tensions and prolongs the suffering of the Sahrawi people.

The international community must hold Morocco and complicit entities accountable for perpetuating the occupation and violating international law. Foreign companies eyeing investments in Western Sahara are urged to reconsider their plans, as the risks far outweigh the potential gains. The Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination remains central to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. Until then, investments in these occupied territories are a gamble fraught with legal, ethical, and security pitfalls.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

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