Moroccan Activist Issou Abdelilah Acknowledges Algeria’ Strategic Diplomacy in Western Sahara Recognition

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- August 27, 2023– In a strategic move that has garnered international attention, the Algerian government’s deft handling of the Western Sahara issue has come to the forefront amidst the recent debate over Algeria’s potential membership in the BRICS organization. Prominent Moroccan activist, Issou Abdelilah, took to Twitter to acknowledge Algeria’s significant achievement in bringing the Western Sahara conflict into the spotlight, a feat that he asserts surpasses the importance of BRICS membership. This maneuver has been hailed by the activist as a “masterstroke” in Algerian diplomacy, underscoring the nation’s shrewd geopolitical acumen.

Abdelilah’s tweet encapsulated the essence of Algeria’s diplomatic success. He stated, “If Algeria was not accepted for membership (this time) in the BRICS organization, then it succeeded in imposing the presence of Western Sahara and recognizing its legitimacy, and this is in fact much more important than Algeria’s acceptance as a member, as it does not need any BRICS. And no one else.”

This pronouncement shines a light on Algeria’s calculated approach to leveraging the Western Sahara issue to its advantage. While Algeria’s bid for BRICS membership has sparked widespread discussions, Abdelilah’s acknowledgment underscores the fact that Algeria’s role in bringing the Western Sahara question to the forefront of international discourse holds far-reaching significance.

Experts in international relations have applauded Algeria’s diplomatic prowess, citing its ability to divert global attention to the Western Sahara conflict as a notable achievement. By focusing on the legitimacy of Western Sahara cause, Algeria has managed to highlight its commitment to justice and self-determination, appealing to a wider audience beyond the BRICS debate.

In conclusion, Algeria’s successful efforts in elevating the Western Sahara issue amidst the BRICS membership debate have solidified its position as a strategic player on the global stage. Issou Abdelilah’s tweet serves as a poignant reminder that diplomatic victories are not solely measured by membership in international organizations, but by the ability to shape narratives, promote justice, and assert the legitimacy of vital causes. Algeria’s diplomatic “masterstroke” exemplifies its commitment to principles that resonate beyond diplomatic chambers, fostering a renewed discourse on the Western Sahara conflict.