Latest news with #anti-Morocco
Morocco World
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Polisario Stumbles Amid Ongoing Setbacks and Irrelevance
Rabat – Despite the growing setbacks and blows, the Algerian-backed Polisario Front continues to fake 'international' presence amid isolation and irrelevance. Algerian mouthpiece media, as well as Polisario news websites, are reporting on the Polisario Front's representatives' meetings with officials in Brussels as part of the preparatory sessions for the 3rd meeting of AU and EU foreign Ministers that will take place today in Brussels. In what appears as a staged presence show, Polisario media reported today that the self-styled 'minister of Foreign Affairs' held talks with his counterpart from Algeria's Ahmed Attaf. The report said that 'the discussions allowed both parties to exchange views on the latest developments regarding the Western Sahara issue, particularly at the regional and international levels.' The statement comes as merely a new theatrical display as Algeria continues to orchestrate an anti-Morocco campaign to challenge the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara. Algeria harbors the separatist group in a remote area called Tindouf, where about 90,000 Sahrawis live under inhumane conditions marred by diseases, malnutrition, and movement restrictions. Meanwhile, the Polisario leadership receives billions of dollars from the Algerian regime to exert its agenda of challenging Morocco's territorial integrity. Under Algeria's patronage, the Polisario Front also embezzle humanitarian aid and financial assistance directed to Sahrawis. The international community, including the UN Secretary General has long warned about the situation in Tindouf and the health and living challenges the population continues to ensure despite the multi-million aid Tindouf receives from the world and UN agencies. The fact that the Polisario's presence was not, in fact, at the invitation of the EU comes as a major blow to both the separatist group and Algeria. Last week, the European Union spokesperson for Foreign Affairs clearly stated that neither the EU nor any of its Member States recognize the self-styled SADR run by Polisario and controlled by the Algerian regime. The statement comes amid questions on Polisario's presence during today's event, noting that any potential infiltration by the fabricated entity stems exclusively from the African Union, not an EU invitation. 'The position of the EU is well known,' the spokesperson said, adding that the Polisario presence at the event has no influence whatsoever in this position. This is not the first time Polisario's presence in the EU has been met by rejection. In January, several MEPs, especially from the PPE group, have called for boycotting a closed-door European Parliament that will see the participation of Polisario Front members. The EU has been struggling to amend ties with Morocco, stressing the importance of cooperation with the North African country as a strong ally in the MENA region at all levels. The struggle comes as Morocco has frequently called on the EU to come clear and act to safeguard cooperation between the two parties — particularly following a hostile verdict from the European Court of Justice regarding the EU-Morocco Agriculture and Fisheries agreement. The hostile verdict took sides with Polisario's claims against Morocco and called for the invalidation of the EU-Morocco agriculture and fisheries agreements. Morocco responded to the ECJ's controversial ruling with a strongly worded statement, noting that the country does not consider the ECJ's ruling as relevant or important for its agricultural or fisheries agreements with the EU. 'Morocco is not a party to this case, which involves the European Union on one side and the 'Polisario' supported by Algeria on the other. Morocco did not participate in any phase of this procedure and, therefore, does not consider itself concerned by the decision,' the Moroccan Foreign Ministry said following the verdict in October of last year. In November, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita said, 'Morocco is waiting for the European Union to clarify how it intends to address the provocations and legal and economic pressures that Morocco is currently facing.' The minister said the country is expecting the EU to propose 'meaningful suggestions and solutions that reflect its commitment to this partnership.' Tags: European UnionPolisario Front
Ya Biladi
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
A Moroccan cultural festival sparks the ire of the far-right in Spain
Spanish far-right Vox party has criticized the «Morocco Festival» held last week in Tarragona, announcing plans to seek clarification from both the Tarragona City Council and the Provincial Council, which supported the event organized by the Consulate General of Morocco in Tarragona. Vox is demanding to know «how much funding was provided by these institutions and the total cost to public funds». The festival featured a rich and diverse program aimed at showcasing Morocco's heritage and promoting cultural exchange between the two shores of the Mediterranean. Vox deputy Sergio Macian, quoted by Spanish media, said, «The Socialist Party is Morocco's most servile lackey», and insisted that Spain «must not allow» Morocco to use cultural events «to impose its foreign agenda and create parallel communities that live outside our way of life and laws». The party, known for its anti-Morocco rhetoric, claimed that Spain has become a «backyard» for Morocco under Pedro Sanchez and the Socialist Party, adding, «Thanks to them, neighborhoods in Tarragona now resemble Tangier or Marrakech more than Tarragona itself». Notably, the festival's opening ceremony was attended by Morocco's ambassador to Madrid, Karima Benyaich, the Spanish government delegate in Catalonia, Carlos Prieto Gomez, and the Mayor of Tarragona, Rubén Viñuales — both members of the Socialist Party.
Ya Biladi
06-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Spanish FM thanks Morocco for its support during the power outage and criticizes the PP
The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, praised what he described as the «exceptional moment» in bilateral relations with Morocco, expressing gratitude for the kingdom's support during the power outage on April 28. During his appearance before the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives, Albares highlighted two significant milestones in the new phase of bilateral relations, which began after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's letter to King Mohammed VI. In the letter, Sánchez described Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara as «the most serious, credible, and realistic basis» for resolving the conflict. Albares pointed to a «historic record» of 23 billion euros in trade exchanges, the reopening of customs in Melilla (which Morocco had unilaterally closed in 2018), and the opening of a new customs office in Ceuta, the first of its kind in the city. The minister also noted that «there is currently a daily crossing of goods in both directions from Monday to Friday», highlighting that 3.5 tons of fresh produce and construction materials have crossed from Morocco to Spain, while hygiene products and electrical and electronic devices travel in the opposite direction. In another context, several deputies took the opportunity to renew their criticism of the government's shift in position on the Western Sahara issue. The spokesperson for the «Bildu» party acknowledged that «having good relations with Morocco is positive», but emphasized that «the price cannot be abandoning Western Sahara». Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Popular Party, Carlos Floriano, criticized the meeting between Albares and Bourita, stating that «in a democratic country, foreign policy cannot be in the hands of a person with absolute power and unilateral actions simply because it suits the Prime Minister». He accused the government of ignoring international law, UN resolutions, and court rulings in favor of unilateral decisions. Regarding customs, Floriano argued that «comparing the historical situation» of commercial customs in Melilla, which has operated since 1866, with the current situation was «an insult to the truth». He also criticized Morocco for determining the type of goods passing through, demanding that the minister clarify the terms of the agreement with Morocco. In response, Albares accused the People's Party (PP) of taking an «anti-Morocco» stance, stating, «Frankly, I do not understand your problem with Morocco. It seems that you long for the days of tensions with Morocco, like the incident on Leila Island». He emphasized that the opening of customs is «a gradual process».
Morocco World
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
The Farce in Algiers: Tebboune's Desperate Embrace of Polisario Chief
Doha – In a pitiful spectacle of diplomatic irrelevance, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune received the so-called 'leader' of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, at the presidential palace in Algiers on Wednesday. This frivolous meeting, a tired ritual in Algeria's obsessive anti-Morocco campaign, comes as international support for Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces reaches unprecedented heights and Algeria's isolation deepens to alarming levels. Algeria, which hypocritically claims it is not party to the dispute, continues to arm the Polisario Front, as happened recently when the Algerian regime supplied four Fajr-54 combat drones, according to political analyst Oualid Kebir. A meeting of phantoms: The April embarrassment The theatrical reception, held without the customary presence of Algeria's military strongman General Said Chengriha, was billed as discussing 'relations between their two countries' – a delusional characterization that defies geopolitical reality. What 'country' does Ghali represent? A fictitious entity that exists nowhere but in Algerian fantasies and dusty Cold War archives. This performance of diplomatic make-believe occurred against the damning backdrop of recent United Nations scrutiny. Just days before in New York, UN officials summoned Polisario representatives to explain their attacks on MINURSO patrols and deliberate obstruction of UN logistics convoys east of the Sand Wall. The timing reveals the desperate nature of Algeria's maneuver – a transparent attempt to salvage what remains of their crumbling anti-Morocco narrative. Tellingly, this charade was staged precisely when Morocco demonstrated its genuine regional leadership. While King Mohammed VI hosted a substantive meeting with foreign ministers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in Rabat earlier this week, Tebboune was reduced to welcoming a figurehead who physically resides within Algeria itself. The juxtaposition lays bare an undeniable gulf. The Sahel chooses Morocco while Algeria flounders The regional dynamics have shifted seismically against Algeria's interests. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger – once diplomatic partners of Algeria – have demonstratively pivoted toward Morocco. Their ministers expressed profound 'appreciation for the King's continuous interest in their region's issues' and enthusiastically endorsed the visionary Atlantic Initiative that will provide these landlocked countries with coveted access to the Atlantic Ocean via Moroccan infrastructure. This diplomatic realignment reached a critical juncture for Algeria in early April when these three Sahel states abruptly recalled their ambassadors from Algiers following the Algerian forces' downing of a Malian drone near their shared border. The humiliating rebuke has left Algeria scrambling for relevance in a region it once considered its exclusive sphere of influence. Meanwhile, Morocco's Royal Atlantic Initiative continues gaining unstoppable momentum. The ambitious infrastructure project, officially announced by King Mohammed VI on November 6, 2023, will create a transformative economic corridor linking the new Dakhla Atlantique port complex to the Sahel via Mauritania. Unlike Algeria's empty rhetoric, Morocco delivers tangible development that addresses the Sahel's pressing economic needs. From recognition to designation: Polisario's terminal decline As Algeria clings to its separatist proxy, influential voices in Washington are intensifying calls to designate the Polisario as a terrorist organization. Republican Congressman John Wilson, a member of the Congressional Foreign Relations Committee, recently reaffirmed America's 'unwavering commitment' to Morocco's territorial integrity while emphasizing the Polisario's troubling connections to terrorist networks and Iran's subversive agenda in North Africa. The evidence against the Polisario grows more incriminating by the day. American political actors increasingly recognize the Algeria-backed militia's 'suspicious ties with takfiri and jihadist groups in the Sahel' and coordination with Hezbollah and Iranian proxies – placing it in direct violation of international counter-terrorism frameworks. A comprehensive analysis by the Hudson Institute published on April 18, authored by Zineb Riboua, has shattered the Polisario's self-portrayal as a liberation movement, instead exposing it as 'a destabilizing militia' deeply involved in arms smuggling, youth indoctrination, and 'aligning itself with the strategic agendas of Iran, Russia, and China.' The report meticulously documented how the Polisario conclusively meets all statutory criteria for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under US law, revealing that it 'receives drones from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps through transfers facilitated by the Algerian regime' and 'smuggles arms to jihadist insurgencies that threaten American forces across the Sahel.' In his scathing analysis published by the Middle East Forum on April 7, Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute challenged the separatist group's legitimacy, asserting that 'no one has ever elected them to such a position and no one has given the Sahrawi any say.' This potential designation would utterly transform the Sahara conflict's dynamics, forcing traditional Polisario enablers like Algeria and South Africa into the uncomfortable position of actively supporting a designated terrorist entity. The diplomatic fallout would be catastrophic for Algeria's already tattered international standing. The human toll: Algeria's brutal treatment of Sahrawis Perhaps most concerning is the deteriorating situation within the Tindouf camps themselves. According to the Sahrawi Association for the Defence of Human Rights (ASADEDH), Algerian army forces recently committed a cold-blooded 'horrific massacre' against Sahrawi civilians in the 'Arkoub' district of the Dakhla camp, killing two and wounding nine others, three critically. The Algerian military 'fired indiscriminately on unarmed Sahrawi civilians' approximately 150 kilometers from Rabouni, triggering widespread protests throughout the camps. Remarkably, the Polisario leadership maintained 'suspicious silence' regarding these atrocities, further eroding what little credibility it retained among the camp population. Ramadan Massoud Larbi, President of ASADEDH, described the Arkoub massacre as 'a serious slide in the series of violations against Sahrawi civilians' and noted that Polisario's failure to protect camp residents 'undermines the remaining confidence of Sahrawis in those who claim to represent their only legitimate representative.' Most telling of all, Larbi confirmed that 'escalation of calls to return to Morocco reflects the deep shift in the convictions of a large group of Sahrawis, who now consider joining the motherland as the only way to end their suffering.' In response, the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) issued an urgent letter to the United Nations and MINURSO, in which they excoriated Algeria's 'flagrant violations of the most fundamental human rights' and demanded immediate intervention to protect civilian refugees 'held hostage' on Algerian territory. Raw video footage captured enraged protesters confronting Algerian soldiers, with desperate refugees threatening to escape to Morocco while screaming, 'Do you want us to go to Morocco? You're killing our children here in cold blood.' The MSP vehemently demands inclusion in the UN-led political process on Western Sahara, declaring itself the true voice for 'an important part of the Sahrawi population that aspires to a negotiated political solution, away from the violent methods of the Polisario Front.' The final gasp of a failed strategy As Morocco continues securing international recognition for its sovereignty over the Sahara, Algeria's desperate reception of Ghali resembles nothing so much as a drowning regime clutching at political straws. Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita's recent diplomatic blitzkrieg has cemented the kingdom's dominance in the territorial dispute. His whirlwind mid-April tour across the United States, France, Spain, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Estonia, and Slovenia yielded an avalanche of explicit endorsements for Morocco's autonomy plan as 'the only realistic solution' to the regional dispute. This relentless momentum has now secured backing from over 100 UN member states, including two permanent Security Council members (the United States and France), Spain (the former colonial power), and a staggering 23 European Union countries. As UN envoy de Mistura himself stated in April, the autonomy plan 'remains the only viable path to a lasting and politically feasible resolution of the decades-running conflict.' This dramatic shift comes just six months after he had proposed partitioning the territory – a proposal now completely abandoned in favor of Morocco's position. The absurdity reaches tragicomic proportions when one considers that this 'state reception' hosted someone who permanently resides in Algeria itself, under the direct supervision of Algerian security services. As one Algerian political analyst mockingly noted, 'The 'president of the Tindouf republic' who declared war spends most of his time in his residence in the Algerian capital.' While Morocco forges ahead with its development agenda for the Sahara — evidenced by the partnership between France's Occitanie Region and Morocco's Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region and the construction of the massive Dakhla Atlantique port complex — Algeria remains imprisoned in a self-defeating paradigm of antagonism and obstruction. The international community has rendered its verdict. Morocco's proposal for autonomy under sovereignty has emerged as the only viable path forward. Algeria's continued embrace of a phantom state leader merely underscores how thoroughly it has lost this decades-long contest. The question is no longer if, but when Algeria will finally acknowledge the geopolitical reality that the rest of the world has already recognized. Read also: Tunisia Hosts Polisario in Fresh Affront to Morocco's Sovereignty Tags: Algerian President Abdelmadjid TebbouneBrahim GhaliPolisario Front
