Exclusive: Moroccan Plunder of Sahrawi Resources via Illegal Guerguerat Passage Exposed – Dzair Tube Obtains Damning Documents

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | October 9th, 2024 — In a major investigative breakthrough, Dzair Tube has exclusively obtained sensitive documents from a source within Moroccan occupation authorities, revealing the scale of the daily looting of Western Sahara’s resources, particularly through the illegal Guerguerat crossing. According to the leaked records, Moroccan authorities have been systematically pillaging the region’s fish stocks, with over 100 trucks loaded with stolen Sahrawi resources passing through the unlawful Guerguerat passage every day. This egregious theft represents a grave violation of international law, and the involvement of certain African companies in this exploitative operation opens them up to severe legal repercussions.

Dzair Tube’s exclusive insight into this large-scale plunder underscores the persistent exploitation of Western Sahara’s wealth by Morocco, in defiance of international rulings that recognize the Sahrawi people as the legitimate owners of the territory’s resources. These damning revelations expose the full extent of Morocco’s disregard for both Sahrawi sovereignty and the rule of law, with far-reaching implications for African companies participating in this illegal trade.

A Historical Reminder: European Court of Justice Upholds Sahrawi Sovereignty

This bombshell news comes in the wake of a historic ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which reaffirmed its 2021 decision to annul key agreements between the European Union and Morocco that included Western Sahara’s resources. In a landmark judgment, the ECJ rejected appeals from the EU Council and European Commission, which sought to uphold the agreements involving agricultural products and fisheries – sectors directly implicated in the ongoing resource theft. The court’s ruling sends a powerful message that the exploitation of Western Sahara’s natural resources without the consent of the Sahrawi people is illegal under international law.

The ECJ’s decision, originally handed down in September 2021, invalidated the agreements on the grounds that Western Sahara is not part of Morocco’s sovereign territory. The court cited earlier rulings from 2016 and 2018, which unequivocally established that Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory, and any economic agreements involving its resources must secure the explicit consent of the Sahrawi people, represented by the Polisario Front.

Impact of the ECJ Ruling: A Victory for the Sahrawi People

Polisario Front’s legal representative before the European courts, Abe Bachir, hailed the decision as a “historic and profound victory for the Sahrawi people in their fight against the plunder of their natural resources.” In a statement to APS, Bachir emphasized that the ruling not only reinforces international law but also affirms the Sahrawi people’s inalienable rights to their land and resources.

“This ruling strikes a blow against the illegal exploitation of Western Sahara’s wealth and sends a clear message to the European Union that it must respect the rights of the Sahrawi people, in accordance with previous rulings and international law,” Bachir remarked, highlighting the wider implications of the ruling for Morocco’s illegal activities in the region.

Morocco’s Continued Defiance and International Repercussions

Despite the clear international consensus on the status of Western Sahara, Morocco has maintained its occupation of the region and has flagrantly ignored rulings that prohibit the exploitation of the territory’s resources without the consent of its indigenous people. The Guerguerat crossing, which is not internationally recognized, has become a focal point for illegal trade, with Moroccan authorities using the route to smuggle Sahrawi resources, including fisheries, to foreign markets.

Dzair Tube’s exclusive report adds further weight to the Sahrawi people’s ongoing legal and diplomatic struggle for sovereignty. The involvement of African companies in this exploitation not only tarnishes their reputations but could lead to serious legal consequences under international law, as their complicity in the theft of Sahrawi resources comes to light.

Looking Forward: Upholding Sahrawi Rights

While the ECJ’s ruling represents a significant legal victory, the battle for the Sahrawi people’s self-determination is far from over. Morocco continues to resist international rulings on Western Sahara, defying global condemnation of its occupation and exploitation of the region. However, the increasing visibility of the Sahrawi cause, coupled with growing legal victories, continues to bolster the Polisario Front’s efforts to defend the rights and sovereignty of the Sahrawi people.

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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