Western Sahara Decolonization: Urgent Calls for Action Addressed to de Mistura by Pretoria

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS– The personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, has not undertaken a lengthy journey to South Africa without purpose, as suggested by some media outlets associated with the occupying Moroccan regime.

The panic expressed by these outlets reveals their fear regarding this visit, which undoubtedly will not go unanswered. Staffan de Mistura held discussions on Wednesday in Pretoria with Naledi Pandor, the South African Minister of Foreign Affairs. While the South African diplomacy officially announced the meeting without providing further details, it is evident that the seasoned diplomat did not travel thousands of kilometers merely for superficial conversations with the South African Foreign Minister.

When asked by the media about the purpose of de Mistura’s visit to South Africa, Naledi Pandor, during a press briefing, mentioned that “the discussion was useful,” marked by the examination “of some approaches related to Western Sahara.” The Foreign Minister emphasized that these were “confidential matters” and apologized for not elaborating further, noting that she needed time to respond to the “proposals.”

On the same day, Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Mohamed Yaslem Beissat, the representative of the Polisario Front in Pretoria. The discussions focused on “ways to strengthen bilateral relations” and “examining the latest developments and evolutions of the Western Sahara issue at regional and international levels,” as reported by the agency of the separatist movement.

Contacted by phone, as reported by La Patrie News, Mohamed Yaslem Beissat, a seasoned diplomat who has previously represented the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in Algeria, assured that an unprecedented diplomatic revitalization in favor of the Sahrawi cause was underway. This diplomatic surge may be linked to the anticipated verdict in March or April by the European Court of Justice, which has repeatedly ruled in favor of the Polisario Front as the legitimate and sole representative of the Sahrawi people.

The awaited, definitive, and enforceable verdict aims to put an end to Morocco’s plundering of the vast fisheries and mineral resources of the Sahrawi people. President Brahim Ghali has established a working group to navigate this historic and decisive turning point for the Sahrawi cause.

Staffan de Mistura’s visit to South Africa was announced earlier this week by the UN. “Mr. Staffan de Mistura is on his way to South Africa at the invitation of its government to participate in meetings on Wednesday with senior South African officials to discuss the Western Sahara issue,” said Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, at the beginning of his press briefing on Monday, January 30th. Traditionally, proposals for resolving the Western Sahara conflict, formulated by the United Nations or the United States, were usually presented to Algeria, the main ally of the Polisario Front. However, with Pretoria filing a complaint against the Zionist entity at the International Court of Justice, its influence in supporting the Sahrawis in their legitimate struggle for independence through a self-determination referendum is stronger than ever.

The weight of both Algiers and Pretoria, significant and determined, proves crucial since Algeria is a member of the UN Security Council. Algeria and South Africa, with their histories of fighting against apartheid and colonialism, are two African capitals gaining increasing influence in resolving both the Palestinian and Sahrawi conflicts, especially with Africa’s strong presence on the UN Security Council following much-needed reforms.

Translated with adaptation from: La Patrie News 

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.