Sahrawi Cause Maintains its International Legal Standing as a Colonialism Issue Despite Moroccan Occupation Attempts

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 05th, 2024 — In a powerful statement made during the annual foreign relations seminar on Saturday, Sahrawi President and Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, affirmed that the Sahrawi cause has not only preserved its standing but also continues to assert its international legal status as a case of decolonization at the United Nations. Ghali emphasized that despite relentless efforts by the Moroccan occupying forces to undermine the legitimacy of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, these efforts have failed to diminish the cause’s significance on the global stage.

Ghali’s words were a direct response to the escalating attempts by Morocco and its allies to delegitimize the Polisario Front’s role as the sole legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people. In his address, Ghali highlighted that the attempts to alter the course of the Sahrawi people’s struggle for independence, particularly by undermining their right to self-determination, have not succeeded in tarnishing the cause’s international credibility. He reiterated that the issue of Western Sahara remains firmly entrenched as a matter of decolonization.

Addressing the evolving international situation in 2024, Ghali warned of troubling developments that have threatened the integrity of the international order. He pointed to the alarming breaches of international law and violations of human rights in the region, which have intensified and reached concerning levels. These violations, he stated, have the potential to destabilize the foundations of the current international system, and the consequences could be catastrophic for global peace and security.

Turning his attention to the anniversary of Morocco’s invasion of Western Sahara, Ghali reminded the audience that 2025 marks fifty years since the illegal occupation of the territory, a period marred by gross human rights violations, massacres, forced displacements, and the systemic oppression of the Sahrawi people. He drew attention to the significant crimes against humanity committed during the invasion, highlighting the use of internationally prohibited weapons and the deliberate attempts to erase Sahrawi identity. Ghali stressed that the ongoing occupation seeks to extinguish the Sahrawi people’s existence as both a cultural and political entity, calling it a gross violation of international norms.

Furthermore, Ghali expressed his deep satisfaction with the “exceptional” relations between the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and Algeria, acknowledging Algeria’s staunch and unwavering support for the Sahrawi cause, particularly in the United Nations Security Council. He commended Algeria’s consistent advocacy for justice and peace, particularly with its firm positions on Palestine and Western Sahara. Ghali also extended his congratulations to Algeria on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month, highlighting its continued efforts to promote international law and stability.

Additionally, Ghali took the opportunity to reiterate the strength of the bonds between the Sahrawi people and the Mauritian people, stressing the importance of continued cooperation and solidarity in advancing peace, security, and prosperity in the region. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and coordination with neighboring countries to ensure a unified approach to security and stability in the wider Sahel and Maghreb regions.

Looking ahead to the upcoming year, the foreign relations seminar will delve into the ongoing challenges faced by the Sahrawi diplomatic efforts in light of the global political shifts and dynamics. A three-day discussion will address the regional and international developments of the Sahrawi cause, examining the political and diplomatic momentum the cause has gained globally despite Morocco’s ongoing attempts to derail it. The seminar will focus on the growing support for the just struggle of the Sahrawi people, as well as the continuing violations of international law by the Moroccan occupation, backed by certain international powers that seek to undermine the legitimacy of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.

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