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Morocco World
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
New US Report Sheds Light on Polisario's Regional Threats, Growing Support for Morocco
Rabat – Amid a growing support for Morocco's position on Western Sahara, several reports have surfaced to shed light on the dispute, particularly Polisario's links to terrorism, a situation that undermines the whole region and beyond. The National Interest is among the magazines, research publications, and news outlets that tackled the regional instability the Polisario is instigating as it aligns itself with terrorist groups as well as US adversaries, including Iran. Growing momentum for Morocco Recalling the international chorus in support of Morocco's territorial integrity, the National Interest published a comprehensive analysis authored by Ahmed Sahrawi on Monday, stressing that more and more countries are agreeing with the Moroccan security approach to safeguard its southern provinces in Western Sahara and preventing the region from becoming home to a 'jihadist government.' 'The United Kingdom recently recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, joining the United States, France, and Israel,' the same source said. On June 1, the UK joined the international chorus for the first time, announcing Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most serious and credible political solution to end the dispute over Western Sahara. With this decision, the country has been added to a list of over 113 countries that share the same perspective and that seek an end to the stagnant issue. Kenya and Ghana recently shared a similar stance amid Algeria's maneuvers to challenge Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces. Algeria's regime harbors the Polisario Front in a deserted area, where freedom of speech and movement are restricted. About 90,000 Sahrawis have been stranded in the region, with many seeking escape but unable to leave due to restricted movement, turning Tindouf into an open-air prison for many. Algeria is still barring a census for the region, due to the presumed fact, as many Sahrawis suggest, that most of the Tindouf residents are Algerians or from other countries and regions like Tuaregs and nationals of neighboring countries, such as Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Chad. Former Polisario members, including Mustafa Salma, suggest that as little as 20% of the real Sahrawis were forced to take shelter in the camps. 'The Polisario has, in recent years, aligned itself with some of the most radical actors in the region,' the National Interest wrote, recalling how the region became a breeding ground for 'jihadist recruitment and a nexus for extremist networks operating across the Sahel.' The publication further stressed the well-documented ties between the separatist group and terrorist groups, recalling Adnan Abu al-Walid al-Sahrawi, a former Polisario member who also led the Islamic State in the Greater Sahel before he was killed by French forces in Mali in 2021. The same source also recalled Polisario's breaking of the UN Ceasefire in 2020, when Morocco peacefully intervened to halt Polisario's blockade in Guerguerat near the Mauritanian border, affecting trade relations. The analyst further detailed the multiple threats and attacks the Polisario Front has been carrying out, targeting Moroccan civilians as well as foreign businesses operating in southern provinces since 2021. In May, members of the Polisario Front, including Mustapha Sidi Ali El Bachir, sent their threats to Moroccans, foreign businesses, as well as tourists visiting southern provinces. The Polisario member appeared in a video on May 1, noting that the separatist group is reiterating and confirming that 'in line with Polisario's statement from November 13, 2020, announcing the return to war, any foreign investor or tourist in the Sahara is putting their life at risk.' 'Let the Sahrawi stay away from foreigners and not come telling us they're civilians or innocent. This is not a tourism context, but a wartime context,' he said. Increasing awareness of Polisario's fake activism The National Interest is not the first US-based website to highlight Polisario's threats to the region. In May, The Daily Signal issued a similar comprehensive piece, in which it recalled that high-ranking officials, like Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, have sought to designate the Polisario Front as a terrorist group due to its malicious activities targeting the region's stability. The outlet also criticized the US administration for ignoring Polisario's threats. Notably, the report also mentioned Polisario's armed threats and its unilateral decision to withdraw from the UN-brokered ceasefire in 2020. Like the National interest, the Daily Signal also referenced Iran's support for the Polisario Front through its proxy Hezbollah, which Morocco accused of training and arming the Polisario Front through a collusion with Algeria. 'Polisario's threats rest on a foundation of Algerian sanctuary plus three mutually reinforcing pillars: Iranian military assistance, a growing Russian influence network, and a mature trans-Sahel illicit economy that overlaps with jihadist financing streams,' the Daily Signal wrote. In April, the Washington Post quoted sources who confirmed that Hezbollah trained Polisario to serve and advance its regional interests. 'Over the years, Iran has fostered a wide array of proxy groups to advance its interests,' the report said, quoting a regional official and a third European official who said Iran trained fighters from the 'Algeria-based Polisario Front' that are now detained by Syria's new security forces. In the same month, a report published by the Hudson Institute dismissed Polisario's self-portrayal as a liberation movement, describing the separatist group as a paramilitary organization that functions as 'a destabilizing militia.' Notably, the report, authored by Zineb Riboua, documented how the Polisario's activities 'go far beyond the standard for a terror designation.' Also in the same month, American Enterprise Institute (AEI) scholar Michael Rubin published a piece , urging the UN to cease recognizing the Polisario Front as the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people, in which he described the group as 'a vestige of the Cold War.' Rubin challenged the international community's stance on Polisario's legitimacy, asserting that 'no one has ever elected them to such a position and no one has given the Sahrawi any say.' Tags: Algeria and the Western SaharaPolisario and Algeria
Ya Biladi
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Escalating tensions : Mali-Algeria border conflict analyzed
What is your analysis of the recent escalation between Mali and Algeria, especially after the Algerian army claimed to have shot down a Malian drone? Tensions between Mali and Algeria have intensified following Mali's withdrawal from the 2015 Algiers Peace Agreement, which was signed between the Azawad movements and the Malian government. Algeria sees itself as entitled to intervene in Malian politics, shaping it according to its own interests, particularly in regional conflicts. Since 1962, Algeria has sponsored four agreements between Mali and the Tuaregs, none of which have yielded concrete results, reflecting its ongoing attempts to impose its agenda on Mali. The incident involving the Turkish drone, used by the Malian army, exposes Algeria's misleading claims. Contrary to the Algerian army's assertions, the drone was not shot down by its forces but rather fell near the Algerian-Malian border after being brought down by the Azawad Liberation Front. What has changed in relations between Algeria and the Malian authorities, who have been in power since the coup on August 18, 2020? Mali's transitional government emerged from popular demands to break away from past policies that served the interests of France, its former colonizer, and were subject to Algeria's influence. While Algeria does not oppose military rule, it criticizes the transitional government's decision to limit its influence in Mali. Imam Mahmoud Dicko, now in Algeria, played a key role in the popular opposition that led to the overthrow of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. The secretary-general of Dicko's June 5 Movement was appointed head of the transitional government. Additionally, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), now renamed the Azawad Liberation Front following Mali's withdrawal from the Algiers Agreement, continues to participate in the transitional government with two ministers. Does Algeria use opposition forces against the Malian government as leverage? Algeria hosts and supports nearly all opposition forces to the Bamako government, whether religious, secular, or tribal. However, it lacks the leverage to force Mali's transitional government—strongly backed by Russia—into compliance. Algeria does not seek to overthrow Mali's military rulers but aims to re-establish its influence over Malian foreign policy. Once this goal is achieved, Algeria is likely to abandon opposition factions, including armed groups, leaving them to Bamako. Algeria has also attempted to restore its ties with Mali through dialogue with Moscow, but Russia appears unwilling to allow its return to the Malian scene. Meanwhile, Mali's transitional government—despite concerns over human rights abuses linked to the Wagner Group—is pursuing internal reconciliations without external intermediaries. Aside from Mali, Algeria has tensions with most of its neighbors... Even Tunisia, under President Kaïs Saïed, remains under Algeria's influence in exchange for certain benefits. Algeria has been at the center of regional disputes, including border conflicts with Morocco and control over an oil-rich region in Tunisia. It has also played a destabilizing role in Libya, Mali, and Niger. Additionally, Algeria faces accusations of sponsoring terrorism in the Sahel, with leaders of Daesh and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims emerging from the Tindouf camps. Through its authoritarian policies, Algeria obstructs cooperation between Maghreb and Sahel countries, hindering regional integration and economic development. Can Algeria regain its influence in Mali? If Mali's transitional government continues to consolidate sovereignty by diversifying partnerships and fostering balanced regional relations, Algeria's influence over Malian politics is likely over. However, Bamako must address regional grievances, ensure justice and development, and curb human rights abuses committed by the Wagner Group against communities accused of supporting terrorism or opposition groups. Do rising tensions between Mali and Algeria benefit Morocco? Morocco has a strong and well-established presence in West Africa, particularly in Mali, through religious, historical, commercial, and economic ties. Royal initiatives have further strengthened Morocco's position in the region, marking its return to Africa's geopolitical landscape. Morocco's soft power is well-rooted and should be complemented by a respectful, sovereign approach to African affairs. Developing cooperation based on a win-win principle, rather than focusing solely on defending its territorial integrity, will reinforce Morocco's influence and help fulfill its strategic vision for the region.
Arab News
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Strike on market in north Mali kills 18, civil society group says
Malian armed forces bombed a weekly market 50 km (30 miles) north of the city of LernebMali's army launched air strikes against what it called terrorist activity in the same area BAMAKO: An army air strike at a market in Mali's northern Timbuktu region on Sunday killed at least 18 people and injured seven, a local rights group said, while the army said it was targeting Collective for the Defense of the Rights of the Azawad People, which is linked to separatist Tuareg rebels, said Malian armed forces bombed a weekly market 50 km (30 miles) north of the city of army said on Monday it had launched air strikes against what it called terrorist activity in the same area cited by the rights group. It said in a statement on X that the strikes has 'neutralized' at least 11 Mali is rife with militant activity linked to Al-Qaeda and Tuaregs, an ethnic group who inhabit the Sahara region including northern Mali, are fighting for an independent launched an insurgency against Mali's government in 2012, but the rebellion was later hijacked by Islamist groups, setting off a violent insurgency that has since spread across West Africa's Sahel region and July last year, Tuareg rebels attacked a convoy of Malian soldiers and mercenaries of Russia's Wagner Group in the far north of the country, near the town of Tinzaouaten close to the border with Algeria. Dozens of Russian and Malian soldiers were killed in the attack, the rebels is not uncommon for Mali, which has been under military rule since a 2020 coup, to carry out air strikes on insurgent targets in the north of the least 21 people, including 11 children, were killed by drone strikes on Tinzaouaten in August, Tuareg rebels said. In October, a drone strike at a fair in Timbuktu region killed at least eight people, including children.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Strike on market in north Mali kills 18, civil society group says
BAMAKO (Reuters) - An army air strike at a market in Mali's northern Timbuktu region on Sunday killed at least 18 people and injured seven, a local rights group said, while the army said it was targeting terrorists. The Collective for the Defence of the Rights of the Azawad People, which is linked to separatist Tuareg rebels, said Malian armed forces bombed a weekly market 50 km (30 miles) north of the city of Lerneb. Mali's army said on Monday it had launched air strikes against what it called terrorist activity in the same area cited by the rights group. It said in a statement on X that the strikes has "neutralised" at least 11 terrorists. North Mali is rife with militant activity linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The Tuaregs, an ethnic group who inhabit the Sahara region including northern Mali, are fighting for an independent homeland. They launched an insurgency against Mali's government in 2012, but the rebellion was later hijacked by Islamist groups, setting off a violent insurgency that has since spread across West Africa's Sahel region and beyond. In July last year, Tuareg rebels attacked a convoy of Malian soldiers and mercenaries of Russia's Wagner Group in the far north of the country, near the town of Tinzaouaten close to the border with Algeria. Dozens of Russian and Malian soldiers were killed in the attack, the rebels said. It is not uncommon for Mali, which has been under military rule since a 2020 coup, to carry out air strikes on insurgent targets in the north of the country. At least 21 people, including 11 children, were killed by drone strikes on Tinzaouaten in August, Tuareg rebels said. In October, a drone strike at a fair in Timbuktu region killed at least eight people, including children.
Reuters
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Strike on market in north Mali kills 18, civil society group says
BAMAKO, March 18 (Reuters) - An army air strike at a market in Mali's northern Timbuktu region on Sunday killed at least 18 people and injured seven, a local rights group said, while the army said it was targeting terrorists. The Collective for the Defence of the Rights of the Azawad People, which is linked to separatist Tuareg rebels, said Malian armed forces bombed a weekly market 50 km (30 miles) north of the city of Lerneb. Mali's army said on Monday it had launched air strikes against what it called terrorist activity in the same area cited by the rights group. It said in a statement on X that the strikes has "neutralised" at least 11 terrorists. North Mali is rife with militant activity linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The Tuaregs, an ethnic group who inhabit the Sahara region including northern Mali, are fighting for an independent homeland. They launched an insurgency against Mali's government in 2012, but the rebellion was later hijacked by Islamist groups, setting off a violent insurgency that has since spread across West Africa's Sahel region and beyond. In July last year, Tuareg rebels attacked a convoy of Malian soldiers and mercenaries of Russia's Wagner Group in the far north of the country, near the town of Tinzaouaten close to the border with Algeria. Dozens of Russian and Malian soldiers were killed in the attack, the rebels said. It is not uncommon for Mali, which has been under military rule since a 2020 coup, to carry out air strikes on insurgent targets in the north of the country. At least 21 people, including 11 children, were killed by drone strikes on Tinzaouaten in August, Tuareg rebels said. In October, a drone strike at a fair in Timbuktu region killed at least eight people, including children.
