Morocco at the Panama Book Fair : Algerian disinformation in overdrive
The campaign was bolstered by a statement from the Panamanian Solidarity Association with the Sahrawi Cause, which criticized Morocco's participation as «an affront to the principles of justice» and «an attack on the memory of peoples fighting for freedom». The group called Morocco's presence «unacceptable» and claimed it «undermines the spirit of the fair, which should be dedicated to diversity, dialogue, and respect for historical truth».
A campaign without impact
These claims proved baseless. The fair opened Monday at the Atlapa Convention Center in Panama City under the theme «Weaving Dialogues», with Morocco present as guest of honor, directly contradicting the Algerian media narrative.
Orit Btesh, president of the Panamanian Book Chamber, which organizes the event, noted that this year's edition will run for a full week for the first time, with the aim of surpassing last year's attendance of more than 104,000 visitors. Meanwhile, Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication announced that its pavilion will feature cultural performances, intellectual and artistic gatherings, and joint seminars with Panama to highlight Moroccan culture and civilization.
Morocco's role as guest of honor is not only cultural but also carries strong political and diplomatic significance. It reflects Panama's recent shift on the Sahara issue, moving from recognition of the so-called «Sahrawi Republic» to officially withdrawing that recognition and supporting the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty. This change, which began after President José Raúl Mulino took office in July 2024, dealt a significant blow to the Polisario and its allies.
In November 2024, Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that «in accordance with international law, the Government of Panama has decided, as of today, to suspend diplomatic relations» with the «Sahrawi Republic». Just days ago, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez reaffirmed his country's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara.
Historically, Panama was the first country in the Americas to establish diplomatic relations with the separatist front in 1978, and in 2016 the latter opened an embassy in Panama City.
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Morocco at the Panama Book Fair : Algerian disinformation in overdrive
For nearly a week, Algerian media have led a propaganda campaign against Morocco's participation in the Panama International Book Fair, which will take place from August 11 to 17. Official Algerian radio ran a piece titled «Panama Book Fair: Morocco's Participation Rejected in Solidarity with the Sahrawi People», while the website Awras published «Morocco Excluded from International Book Fair Due to Western Sahara». Similarly, Elayem ran «In Support of Western Sahara, Panama Excludes Morocco from International Book Fair», and El Massa described it as a diplomatic setback for Morocco following its alleged exclusion from the fair. The campaign was bolstered by a statement from the Panamanian Solidarity Association with the Sahrawi Cause, which criticized Morocco's participation as «an affront to the principles of justice» and «an attack on the memory of peoples fighting for freedom». The group called Morocco's presence «unacceptable» and claimed it «undermines the spirit of the fair, which should be dedicated to diversity, dialogue, and respect for historical truth». A campaign without impact These claims proved baseless. The fair opened Monday at the Atlapa Convention Center in Panama City under the theme «Weaving Dialogues», with Morocco present as guest of honor, directly contradicting the Algerian media narrative. Orit Btesh, president of the Panamanian Book Chamber, which organizes the event, noted that this year's edition will run for a full week for the first time, with the aim of surpassing last year's attendance of more than 104,000 visitors. Meanwhile, Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication announced that its pavilion will feature cultural performances, intellectual and artistic gatherings, and joint seminars with Panama to highlight Moroccan culture and civilization. Morocco's role as guest of honor is not only cultural but also carries strong political and diplomatic significance. It reflects Panama's recent shift on the Sahara issue, moving from recognition of the so-called «Sahrawi Republic» to officially withdrawing that recognition and supporting the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty. This change, which began after President José Raúl Mulino took office in July 2024, dealt a significant blow to the Polisario and its allies. In November 2024, Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that «in accordance with international law, the Government of Panama has decided, as of today, to suspend diplomatic relations» with the «Sahrawi Republic». Just days ago, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez reaffirmed his country's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. Historically, Panama was the first country in the Americas to establish diplomatic relations with the separatist front in 1978, and in 2016 the latter opened an embassy in Panama City.
