✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | June 12th, 2024 — In a compelling address at the United Nations, Algeria’s Permanent Representative, Amar Bendjama, ardently advocated for the right to independence for the people of Western Sahara. Speaking at the session of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24), Bendjama reiterated Algeria’s unwavering support for self-determination, a cornerstone of the nation’s foreign policy.
“Our foreign policy is based on cardinal principles, including the right to self-determination for colonized peoples, and this will not change,” Bendjama declared.
A Historical Context
Bendjama highlighted the significant role of the C-24, especially for countries like Algeria that have endured colonization and now proudly stand independent. “We come from all corners of the world, having achieved independence, sometimes through intense struggles for self-determination and freedom,” he stated. He emphasized that the decolonization process remains incomplete, pointing out that Western Sahara is the largest and last colony in Africa.
The Moroccan Occupation
Bendjama detailed the historical context of Western Sahara’s plight, noting that following the departure of the colonial power, the territory was invaded and divided by Morocco and Mauritania. He posed critical questions to challenge Morocco’s historical claims and its resistance to a UN-led referendum for Sahrawi self-determination.
“If Morocco had inalienable historical rights to this territory, as denied by the International Court of Justice, why did it agree to divide it with Mauritania?” he asked. Further, he questioned why Morocco, if confident in its governance, resists a UN-conducted referendum and instead offers an autonomy plan under its sovereignty.
Legal and Moral Imperatives
In his rigorous address, Bendjama reaffirmed the legal standing of Western Sahara as a distinct and separate territory from Morocco, as defined by numerous UN resolutions and supported by the International Court of Justice. The court has emphasized the necessity of a free and fair self-determination referendum for the Sahrawi people.
He also reminded the assembly of a historical commitment made by the late King Hassan II of Morocco, who, under international pressure, had pledged to honor the results of such a referendum.
Obstruction by Morocco
Bendjama criticized Morocco’s consistent obstruction of the self-determination process, highlighting that the Kingdom’s actions have discouraged several UN-appointed facilitators from continuing their efforts to organize the referendum.
“From denial to denial, with proven bad faith, the Kingdom of Morocco has dissuaded numerous UN officials from facilitating this referendum, leading many to resign in frustration,” he noted.
International Support and Call for Action
The session witnessed extensive participation from petitioners worldwide, advocating for the rights of the oppressed Sahrawi people. Numerous member states, including Bolivia, Cuba, Iran, and South Africa, among others, expressed their unwavering support for the decolonization of Western Sahara, in alignment with UN Resolution 1514.
Bendjama’s address, backed by the collective voice of these nations, underscored the urgent need to complete the decolonization process in Western Sahara, ensuring the Sahrawi people can exercise their legitimate right to self-determination.
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