Unveiling the Moroccan Settlement Occupation: A Comprehensive Dossier on the Occupied Territories of the Sahrawi Republic
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In the annals of history, there exists a nefarious form of colonialism that stands out as the most insidious and damaging – settlement-based colonization. While traditional colonialism involves the forceful takeover of foreign lands to exploit resources and people, settlement colonization takes this to an even darker extreme. It entails the invading power’s insidious plan to seize land, eradicate indigenous populations, and erase their identity through systematic policies. The ongoing Moroccan settlement occupation in the occupied territories of the Sahrawi Republic is a stark reminder of the perils of this sinister practice.
Theft of Land, Erasure of Identity
Settlement colonization is nothing short of land theft and confiscation, resulting in the displacement of the rightful inhabitants. This stolen land is then awarded to citizens of the occupying nation and other foreign entities. In essence, it seeks the land without the people who have called it home for generations.
Throughout history, numerous empires and colonial powers, particularly since the Middle Ages, have employed this method to conquer lands across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. These invasions led to the obliteration of civilizations, genocide of peoples, and annexation of their territories.
Fabrication of Justifications and Erasure of Ownership
To justify their plunder of the Southern continents’ riches and their subsequent division, European colonial powers concocted the theory of “terra nullius” – claiming that these lands had no rightful owners. This assertion provided the pretext for their invasions, genocides, and land appropriations. They even established a legal framework, designating these acquired lands as “Overseas Lands” (Territoires d’outre-mer), exempt from the laws that would otherwise govern their own territories.
The Western Sahara conundrum, which is our immediate concern, mirrors this history of dispossession. The United Nations General Assembly sought answers from the International Court of Justice in 1974, inquiring whether Western Sahara qualified as “terra nullius.” The Court categorically refuted this notion, affirming that the precondition for valid sovereignty acquisition through occupation is that no pre-existing sovereign exists at the time of occupation. This principle holds even more significance in our global context, where human rights and self-determination are central tenets.
The Taint of Racial Supremacy and “Civilizing Missions”
Settlement colonization was often accompanied by notions of racial superiority. Europeans propagated the belief that non-European populations were “savage barbarians,” necessitating their civilizing mission to spread their superior civilization. This ethnocentric view justified the extermination of millions, land confiscation, and the destruction of longstanding political and social systems.
The “civilizing mission” was underpinned by the false belief in the racial supremacy of the white man and his culture. Victor Hugo’s “Discourse on Africa” encapsulates this sentiment, as Europe deemed Africa as an ignorant and barbaric world that needed enlightenment to shape the “New World.” This poisonous rhetoric fueled atrocities and laid the foundation for systemic oppression.
The Echoes of History
As we traverse through history, the 17th century demonstrates Europe’s unwavering intent to establish colonies across the Americas. This epoch marked the onset of a cycle of conquest, exploitation, and dehumanization that persists to this day.
In our modern era, it is crucial to remember the atrocities of settlement colonization and acknowledge the devastating impact it continues to have on indigenous populations. The Moroccan settlement occupation in the occupied territories of the Sahrawi Republic serves as a stark reminder of the urgency to confront and rectify this history of dispossession and injustice. Only through recognizing the gravity of this crime can we hope to pave the way for a just and equitable world for all.
Concept of Colonies Classified into Two Distinct Categories
The concept of colonies can be classified into two distinct categories, each with its own purpose and characteristics. Firstly, there is the trade-oriented colony, known as the “colonie-comptoir,” which functions primarily as a center for trade activities, particularly the exchange of raw materials. Secondly, there exists the settlement colony, referred to as “Colonie de peuplement,” which encompasses not only the trading hub but also the territory where European settlers establish themselves and gradually become the new inhabitants. To delve deeper into this classification and its historical implications, one can explore the early stages of colonization in New France, with valuable insights available at Alloprof.qc.ca/fr.
Recent historical instances point to France’s involvement in two regions, Algeria in North Africa and New Caledonia in the South Pacific, where a distinct form of settler colonialism has been observed. This second type of colonization, involving settler colonialism, involves a process where indigenous lands are expropriated to benefit the settler population. Scholar Christelle Taraud’s contribution sheds light on this phenomenon, as she emphasizes the strategy employed by French settler colonialism to seize the lands and resources of the native people. A deeper examination of these ideas can be found in the article “Idées recues sur la colonisation” on CAIRN.Info.
In the context of these historical situations, it becomes evident that the actions of France in Algeria and New Caledonia align with the characteristics of settler colonialism. One significant aspect of this approach is the forced displacement of millions of French and European individuals seeking better opportunities in foreign lands. This mass migration enabled the settlers to claim ownership of lands and resources that were previously occupied by the indigenous populations. Algeria, in particular, faced a grim fate with extermination, expulsion, and coerced deportations contributing to the dispossession of its people.
The Moroccan Settlement Occupation: Unmasking an Illegal Aggression
The term “Moroccan settlement occupation” encapsulates the stark reality of Morocco’s presence in Western Sahara, an occupation deemed illegal by the General Assembly of the United Nations in Regulation No. 3734 of 1979. This designation stems from Morocco’s persistent settlement policy, which it has pursued since its military invasion of Western Sahara in 1975. This article sheds light on the undeniable contrast between the legal nature of Spanish colonialism and the Moroccan occupation in this disputed territory.
A critical distinction must be made between the historical contexts of Spanish colonialism and Moroccan occupation in Western Sahara. During the era of Spanish colonialism, the United Nations recognized Spain as the administering power responsible for the territory, charged with facilitating the exercise of the region’s inhabitants’ right to self-determination and independence under international supervision. In stark contrast, Morocco’s presence in Western Sahara lacks any legitimate legal foundation beyond that of an “occupation,” as stipulated by international law, the United Nations Charter, and numerous international and continental courts. Notably, the Constitutive Act of the African Union aligns with the consensus that Morocco does not hold sovereignty over Western Sahara.
The persistent occupation and settlement policy pursued by Morocco in Western Sahara stand as blatant violations of international law and the principles upheld by the United Nations and African Union. The term “Moroccan settlement occupation” serves as a reminder of the urgent need for a just and peaceful resolution to the prolonged conflict in Western Sahara—one that respects the rights and aspirations of its people and adheres to the principles of self-determination and international law.
Demographic Manipulation and Genocide in Western Sahara
The intricate issue of changing the demographic composition of the Sahrawi people within the context of settlement occupation raises profound concerns that intersect with international law, human rights, and the preservation of cultural identity. In the realm of international law, altering the demographic structure is categorized as a severe violation, encompassing acts such as displacement, evacuation, and forced expulsion.
These actions are unequivocally recognized as crimes against humanity and crimes of genocide. A pivotal legal instrument in this realm is the “Convention on the Prevention of Genocide,” ratified on August 9, 1948, by the United Nations. The convention specifically addresses the intentional destruction of national or ethnic groups, constituting genocide, which is delineated by a set of criteria.
These encompass the killing of group members, causing grave physical or psychological harm, intentionally subjecting the group to conditions conducive to its physical obliteration, implementing measures to impede childbearing, and coercively transferring children from their original group to another. Against this backdrop, safeguarding the Sahrawi identity becomes an imperative undertaking, necessitating international awareness, commitment to human rights, and a resolute dedication to the prevention of demographic manipulation and its dire consequences.
The stages of building the settlement occupation and its relationship to the circumstances of the Moroccan-Western Sahara conflict
Since the inception of Moroccan expansionist aggression, the Alaouite government embarked on a systematic strategy to populate the occupied lands with Moroccan settlers, a process integral to establishing a settler occupation regime. This calculated effort commenced with the influx of settlers, remnants of the orchestrated “Black March,” aimed at diverting international media attention away from the military invasion. The crescendo of this strategy was evident in the mass deportations that began in 1991, as part of an endeavor to manipulate the referendum by imposing Moroccan settlers on the voter lists. These settlers were transported in extensive convoys from various regions of Morocco to desert cities where makeshift camps were established, reliant on the continuous support of the occupation administration.
- The first wave of Moroccan settlers and its relationship to the consolidation of the colonial occupation
It can be observed that the initial influx of occupation administration agents into the occupied territories, hailing from diverse regions of Morocco, marked the onset of a settlement strategy. This strategy was propelled by the Moroccan government’s enticements to attract a substantial number of Moroccans, along with their families, to establish residence in these territories. This initial cohort, along with the addition of numerous impoverished Moroccans seeking employment opportunities or the allure of wealth, was effectively the inaugural wave of civilian settlers.
These settlers were influenced by a pervasive propaganda campaign in a nation where the Alawite regime had managed to maintain a considerable portion of its population in a state resembling the distant past, marked by antiquated cultural norms, beliefs, and destitution. Their migration was prompted by the news of Morocco’s occupation of Oued Ed-Dahab.
However, as time progressed, the settlers’ awareness of the Sahrawi conflict and its intricacies grew. This was particularly owing to firsthand exposure to the unfolding events on the ground, which was largely absent from the knowledge of the general Moroccan populace. The regular reports on clashes between Sahrawi and Moroccan armed forces, the significant casualties within the invading ranks, and the arrival of wounded soldiers in occupied cities collectively led to a decline in the number of new settlers.
Consequently, a substantial portion of these settlers reconsidered their decision to remain in the occupied territories, and some even opted to return to Morocco. Instances abound where a number of them chose to withdraw, despite the concerted efforts of various intelligence agencies to persuade them to stay.
2- The second wave of settlers and its connection to the economic part of the settlement policy.
From the outset, the exploitation of the abundant marine resources stood as a pivotal element within the occupation strategy. This approach acted as a magnet, drawing in the subsequent surge of Moroccan settlers who steadily descended upon the occupied territories. Under the watchful eye of the occupation administration, this influx was carefully orchestrated, facilitating the acquisition of maritime riches and the establishment of their own coastal villages stretching from the northern to the southern shores.
The extraction of phosphate, a resource in abundant supply within the region, distinguished not only by its exceptional quality but also by its significant uranium content, serves as another cornerstone of the Moroccan expansionist agenda. This pursuit has consistently embodied a compelling allure for Moroccan labor, gradually supplanting the Sahrawi workforce. This transition can be understood within the context of the settlement policy, designed to displace settlers from the occupied territory and thereby redefine the demographic landscape.
3- The third wave of Moroccan settlers and their organization to rig the referendum as an important part of the political battle to suppress the will of the Sahrawi people
Tens of thousands of Moroccan citizens have been forcibly deported to occupied Western Sahara’s cities and villages, forming what is now referred to as the third wave of Moroccan settlers. This unsettling tactic, carried out through organized convoys of buses and trucks over several months, serves a sinister purpose: to manipulate voter lists for an upcoming self-determination referendum. This disturbing strategy, aimed at subverting the rights of the Sahrawi people, not only violates international legitimacy decisions but also alters the very fabric of the Sahrawi national identity.
The orchestrated deportation campaign has been executed in the context of an agreement between the Sahrawi and Moroccan parties. However, instead of a genuine effort towards a fair self-determination process, this campaign seems to be part of a larger conspiracy to deny the Sahrawi people their right to independence. The distorted referendum, once cynically referred to as the “affirmative referendum” by Hassan II, is designed to ensure a predetermined outcome.
The ramifications of this strategy extend beyond political manipulation. Temporary settlements consisting of tent neighborhoods and tin cities have sprung up within occupied urban areas to accommodate the newly deported Moroccan citizens. Strikingly, these individuals have no genuine connection to the Sahrawi self-determination cause or the region to which they’ve been brought. This blatant disregard for the settlement plan of 1991 and the decisions of international legitimacy is not only a violation of established agreements but also an affront to the principles of justice and autonomy.
4- The fourth wave of settlers consists of different nationalities, other than Moroccan nationality, and is formed by private and adventurous foreign money owners and all those who are brought to the occupied territories in search of occupation legislation and linking it to foreign interests.
In response to Morocco’s inability to annex Western Sahara through military force and external legislation, a new category of settlers emerged. Comprising foreign individuals, often driven by personal interests and foreign investments, these settlers cemented the occupation strategy. Through secretive means like the “reservation” law, the occupation administration confiscated Sahrawi land, redirecting it for military, economic, and political utilization, effectively displacing indigenous ownership.
The process of settlement occupation in Western Sahara represents a multi-faceted endeavor deeply intertwined with the Moroccan-Western Sahara conflict. It showcases the Moroccan government’s calculated efforts to manipulate demographics, resources, and international perceptions in pursuit of its expansionist objectives. This strategy, marked by waves of settlers and diverse methods of influence, has left a lasting impact on the region’s social fabric, the Sahrawi national identity, and the broader context of the conflict’s resolution.
The Reality of Sahrawi National Soil Under Settler Occupation
The current landscape of the Sahrawi territories, which are presently subject to Moroccan colonial occupation, can be categorized as follows:
- Military Garrisons: These outposts are strategically positioned across the occupied lands, exerting control over extensive regions that curtail the natural movement of the local population.
- Settler-dominated Cities: Urban centers now predominantly occupied by settlers have marginalized the indigenous population into a minority, subjecting them to oppression, marginalization, and impoverishment.
- Coastal Settlements for Moroccan Fishermen: Along the Atlantic coastline, settlements have emerged to accommodate Moroccan fishermen, extending their influence over maritime activities.
- Guarded Resource Zones: Certain territories are under heavy surveillance, orchestrated to facilitate the extraction of valuable mineral resources like phosphate, gold, and others.
- Expansive Agricultural Reserves: Vast tracks of land are dedicated to agricultural purposes, exploiting groundwater without proper oversight or monitoring.
- Renewable Energy Production Zones: Extensive areas are demarcated for companies engaged in renewable energy production, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainable power sources.
- Designated Sand Quarry Sites: Specific zones have been allocated for sand quarrying, catering to construction and related industries.
- Princely Tourist Enclaves: Noteworthy tracts of land have been reserved for tourism and leisure purposes, often granted to Gulf country princes for activities such as wild hunting and recreational tourism.
The End of Moroccan Settlement Occupation in Sahrawi Republic
Five decades of unwavering Saharawis resistance, expressed through various forms, have unequivocally signaled the impending end of the Moroccan occupation.
The alignment of Sahrawi people’s resolve, determination, and cohesion with the legitimacy of their struggle, coupled with international repudiation of any Moroccan claim to sovereignty over Western Sahara, collectively affirm the concrete existence of the Sahrawi Republic. This reality, acknowledged by global assemblies where Morocco also participates, stands in stark contrast to the disingenuous propaganda propagated by the Moroccan occupiers. The desert nation is, and will persist as, the southern neighbor of Morocco, irrespective of its political character as a monarchy or republic.
The internal state within Morocco, now characterized by mounting impoverishment, deprivation, ignorance, and deteriorating conditions that erode human dignity, bears testament to the failures of the ongoing aggression against the Sahrawi people. This condition underscores that the policy of protracting efforts to subjugate the Sahrawi population is inherently flawed and destined for futility.
It is imperative to caution against new generations of conflicts aimed at the Sahrawi people. Regardless of their intensity, cruelty, and malice, such endeavors are contingent on specific factors, including access to cutting-edge technologies and the utilization of psychological warfare tactics, as demonstrated by both historical and contemporary allies. The liberation struggle of the desert, which thrives on innate valor and innovation evident across all battlefields and artistic expressions, remains undefeated.
No matter the extent to which Morocco engages in negotiations, alliances, or attempts to influence individuals through inducements, it will not secure victory in its aggressive campaign against the Sahrawi Republic.
Translated with adaptation :
الإحتلال الإستيطاني المغربي في الأراضي المحتلة من الجمهورية الصحراوية
