Revelations by Mauritanian Journalist Said Ibrahim Expose Morocco’s Aerial Assaults on Mauritanians, Flourishing Algerian-Mauritanian Cooperation
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a shocking revelation in an interview with Dzair Tube channel, Mauritanian journalist Said Ibrahim Lafrek shed light on the alarming escalation of hostilities between Morocco and Mauritania, sparked by a series of deadly aerial attacks on innocent civilians. The situation has not only incited public outrage but also strained diplomatic relations between the two neighboring Arab nations.
Ibrahim emphasizes the urgent need for Morocco to comprehend that, much like Mauritania’s relations with Morocco, it aspires to foster connections with Algeria. He underscores that there is no substantial difference between the two neighboring countries for Mauritania, as they share geographical borders and a common history.
The Mauritanian government responded strongly to these heinous and brutal attacks, with the official government spokesperson expressing deep dismay over the violations. President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani also urged prospectors to adhere to safety protocols and avoid crossing Mauritanian borders to prevent further tragedies.
Public anger in Mauritania has reached unprecedented levels due to repeated and monstrous attacks within the Sahrawi territories, some of which spill over into Mauritanian territory. Ibrahim, drawing from firsthand accounts of gold prospectors, reveals that Moroccan military actions, including drone strikes and mortar shelling, have taken a toll on innocent lives.
While precise statistics on Moroccan assaults against Mauritanian prospectors are unavailable, reports confirm an alarming escalation since 2020. Many prospectors have fallen victim to Moroccan airstrikes, causing grave concern both in Mauritania and internationally.
Ibrahim asserts that the Moroccan military deliberately targets Mauritanian prospectors, as evidenced by the use of drones. The Moroccan military, he stresses, films the aftermath of these attacks and showcases gruesome scenes of the victims. Strikingly, Moroccan media outlets remain silent on these incidents, raising questions about potential pressure from the Moroccan government.
Despite the gravity of the situation, foreign media outlets, including Al Jazeera, have been notably silent on these attacks. Ibrahim questions why international channels with offices in Mauritania are not actively reporting on these atrocities, speculating on potential Moroccan influence or coercion.
In response to the growing crisis, Mauritanian authorities have called for the expulsion of the Moroccan ambassador, citing the barbarity documented in the videos of Moroccan attacks on Mauritanian citizens. The Mauritanian stance aligns with Algeria’s condemnation of the uncalculated and brutal assaults on Algerian traders within the Sahrawi territories.
In addition, Algeria has previously apprehended Mauritanian prospectors within its borders but refrained from resorting to airstrikes and brutality. The stark contrast in approaches has fueled immense public anger in Mauritania, with citizens expressing dismay at the repeated attacks by the Moroccan military, often utilizing drones to target innocent civilians, a fact Ibrahim underscores.
On another level, the recent improvement in Algerian-Mauritanian relations, marked by President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani’s visit to Algeria and the signing of cooperation agreements, has sparked speculation about the motivations behind Morocco’s intensified aggression. Some analysts suggest that the Mauritanian-Algerian rapprochement, especially the construction of an 800-kilometer road linking Tindouf to Zouerate, has triggered Morocco’s hostile actions.
Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.
