Latest news with #pro-Polisario
Ya Biladi
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
After Zuma's visit to Morocco, South Africa hosts forum backing Polisario
Former South African President Jacob Zuma's recent endorsement of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara has sent shockwaves through political circles in both Pretoria and Algiers. In response, the South African Embassy in Algeria quickly organized a diplomatic forum in support of the Polisario Front. According to Algerian media, representatives from «around fifteen countries» attended the event, while the Polisario's press agency reported the presence of «about twenty ambassadors». Interestingly, both sources highlighted only two speeches: those of the South African ambassador and the Polisario representative in Algiers. The forum ended with a joint statement reiterating positions long familiar to attendees of similar pro-Polisario gatherings, whether held in Africa or elsewhere. Notably, South Africa had already held a session of this diplomatic forum in Algiers on April 2 9. It is unusual for such events, typically initiated by South Africa's diplomatic mission in Algeria in support of the Polisario, to occur in such close succession. This latest edition was clearly prompted by Jacob Zuma's backing, as leader of the MK party, for Morocco's autonomy plan in Western Sahara, a position strongly condemned by the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Just last week, Algeria sent envoys to Pretoria for discussions with South African officials and ANC members on the political fallout of Zuma's stance, and its implications for South Africa's recognition of the so-called «SADR», which it officially recognized in 2004. The issue was also raised on July 18 in Algiers during a meeting between Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and his Polisario «counterpart», Mohamed Yeslem Beissat.
Ya Biladi
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Algeria, Polisario hold talks after Zuma affirms support for Morocco on Sahara
Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf met on Thursday in Algiers with Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, his «counterpart» from the Polisario Front. According to a statement from the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks focused on «the latest developments regarding the Western Sahara issue», as well as «key matters on the African Union's agenda». The meeting came two days after former South African President Jacob Zuma voiced support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara during a visit to Rabat. In response, Algeria sent envoys to South Africa on Wednesday to meet with officials from the ruling African National Congress (ANC), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to address the implications of Zuma's remarks, seen as a shift in tone from one of the country's most influential political figures. For context, Mohamed Yeslem Beissat previously served as the Polisario's representative in Pretoria. Before his departure from South Africa, he held talks with several pro-Polisario organizations and spoke with Ramaphosa on the sidelines of an ANC gathering.
Morocco World
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Algeria Faces Major Setback as Ghana Reaffirms Support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan
Rabat — In another diplomatic setback for Algeria, Ghana has once again reaffirmed its support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the only viable solution to the Western Sahara dispute. This comes just months after Algeria claimed that Ghana had reversed its stance on the issue — a claim that has now been officially dismissed. In a joint statement signed in Rabat by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Ghanaian counterpart, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, last Friday, Ghana recognized 'the exclusivity of the Autonomy Plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco in 2007 as the only realistic and sustainable basis for a mutually acceptable solution' to the regional dispute. This declaration reinforces Ghana's decision on January 7, 2025, to withdraw its recognition of the self-proclaimed 'SADR' (so-called Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic). The move aligns Ghana with the growing international consensus in support of Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces. Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration confirmed that it had communicated this position to Morocco, the African Union, and the United Nations through official diplomatic channels. The ministry emphasized Ghana's backing for the 'good-faith efforts made by the Kingdom of Morocco to reach a solution accepted by all parties.' Ghana had originally recognized the Polisario-led 'SADR' in 1979 but has now decisively shifted its position in line with over 113 countries — more than 60% of UN member states — that support Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most credible political framework to resolve the conflict. This reversal is part of a broader regional trend. Kenya, once considered a stronghold of pro-Polisario sentiment and a vocal ally of Algeria's stance on the Sahara, has also announced its support for Morocco's proposal. These developments signal a growing momentum in favor of Morocco's sovereignty , leaving Algeria's foreign policy increasingly isolated. Adding to Algeria's diplomatic frustrations, the United Kingdom — a permanent member of the UN Security Council — recently expressed its clear endorsement of Morocco's Autonomy Plan. The UK's support is more than symbolic; it adds significant international weight to Morocco's position. According to recent figures from Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 113 countries around the world support the moroccan autonomy plan. On the other hand, 46 countries, including 13 African nations, have cut or frozen their ties with the Polisario since 2000. The increasing number of countries distancing themselves from the separatist group highlights the shifting dynamics on the global stage — where realism and pragmatism are replacing outdated allegiances. Tags: Algeria and Western Saharaautonomy planGhanaSahara
Morocco World
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Beyond Confusion: Boulos's Remarks Reaffirm U.S Recognition of Morocco's Sovereignty
Some of the developments the Western Sahara dossier have seen in the past few weeks may go down in the history of this lingering territorial dispute as announcing the slow but certain death of the suggestion by the Algerian regime and its pro-Polisario allies or sympathizers that President Trump's support for Morocco's territorial integrity was never as deep as many might have hoped. Following recent comments by Secretary Marco Rubio and UN Envoy Staffan de Mistura, Massad Boulos's interview with the Al-Hadath channel and its immediate aftermath are the latest in this chain of developments that confirm the depth of the Trump White House's professed commitment to upholding Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara region. Indeed, while President Trump's senior Africa advisor made comments that could have been used to cast doubt on Washington's commitment to its 2020 proclamation on the Sahara, his rush to set the record straight immediately after the interview suggests that his gaffe was a momentary slip and does not in any way indicate a coming change in the direction of the geopolitical winds blowing on the Sahara dossier. Immediately after the segment in which Boulos addressed the issue began circulating, I received numerous messages from concerned Moroccans asking whether his remarks indicated a potential shift in how the Trump team was handling the Sahara dossier. These concerns were not entirely unfounded — particularly given Boulos's references to points that could be interpreted as favorable to Algeria, such as his claim that 'Algeria is ready to accept any solution accepted by the Polisario,' and his emphasis on the need to 'care for the fate of 200,000 refugees in the Tindouf camps.' Boulos made a serious misstep when he claimed that President Donald Trump's December 10, 2020 proclamation, which officialized Washington's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, 'was not absolute, but left the door open for a solution that satisfies all parties.' Judging from some of his talking points, it would appear, that Boulos did not prepare well for this interview. In particular, it was clear from the scope and tone of some his suggestions that he had no read or reviewed the official statement the U.S. Department of State released in the aftermath of the April 8 meeting between Secretary Marco Rubio and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. That statement was an exact replica of the one issued by the White House in December 2020, affirming Washington's unequivocal recognition of Morocco's sovereignty. Indeed, what Boulos failed to grasp or properly explain in his remarks to Al-Hadath is the fact that the United States' recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara was unambiguous. Both President Trump's historic tweet on the day he officialized America's newfound stance on the Sahara dispute and the piles of official documents that followed this first public gesture unmistakably suggest that Washington now considers the Moroccan autonomy plan as the only genuine and viable path to a lasting political settlement of the Sahara dispute. In other words, since December 2020, the United States views the Moroccan plan as the only political horizon for the Sahara. A questionable turnaround Following the controversy sparked by his statements, Boulos promptly published a post on his X account reiterating the U.S. administration's steadfast support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. He went further by giving an phone interview to Morocco's Medi1 TV channel less than 24 hours after his interview with Al-Hadath. He used the opportunity not only to rectify his earlier comments and to articulate the U.S. position with greater clarity and consistency, but also to dash any hopes that the Algerian regime may harbor about exploiting his words to undermine Morocco's hard-earned diplomatic momentum. Yet, questions remain. Was that post a coincidence? How was Boulos able to publish it mere hours after his Al-Hadath interview aired? It is highly plausible that the post was made following direct instructions from the State Department — or even the White House — rather than being a spontaneous initiative on his part. Given the sensitivity of the issue, its timing, and the close attention that Morocco's highest authorities pay to every nuance of Washington's position on the Sahara, it is reasonable to conclude that Boulos was perhaps directed to clarify his statements and eliminate any ambiguity regarding the U.S. position on the Sahara. When I later dissected Boulos's interview with Al Hadath, I was surprised by some of his comments. While he did largely reaffirm the U.S. administration's official position, I was struck by his mention of the number of 'refugees' in the Tindouf camps and the need to consider their humanitarian situation — without any reference to the need for a credible census to determine their actual number. He also repeated the notion that Algeria's acceptance of any solution remains contingent on the Polisario's approval. As I argued in my previous article, Algeria's goal is twofold: to gain proximity and favor within Trump's inner circle, and to ultimately prevent any further moves that might accelerate the resolution of the Western Sahara dispute on Morocco's terms. Anyone familiar with Washington' political and diplomatic landscape knows that access to decision-makers is not difficult. All it takes is to have the financial means to hire influential lobbying firms with close ties to key players in the American political establishment, a coherent strategic vision, and the ability to actively and convincingly promote one's narrative. Motives manipulated by Algeria Hearing President Trump's senior Africa advisor make such confusing comments, which controversially depart from the State Department's recent and constant reaffirmation of the United States' unwavering support for Morocco's territorial integrity, leaves one with two possible interpretations. Either he was wittingly or unwittingly influenced by Algeria-linked individuals in Washington who likely provided him with Algeria's preferred talking points, or he was unaware of the implications and significance of his comments because he had done his homework on the subject of the interview. Why am saying this ? Simply because his statements almost perfectly echo the language used by Algeria's official narrative: a discourse designed to obscure facts and mislead international opinion by portraying Algeria as a neutral party to the conflict, while presenting the Polisario as the sole stakeholder whose consent is needed for any proposed resolution. This is a narrative that Algeria has pushed for decades to avoid international accountability and to preserve the political deadlock surrounding the territorial dispute For Boulos to go so far as to claim that the number of 'refugees' in the Tindouf camps stands at 200,000 raises serious questions and strongly suggests that his remarks reflect talking points he likely received directly from Algerian officials via the lobbying firm that represents Algeria's interests in Washington. The debate on Tindouf numbers It is well known that there is a long-standing and highly contentious debate surrounding the actual number of residents in the Tindouf camps. Morocco maintains that the number does not exceed 60,000 at most, while Algeria claims it exceeds 170,000. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) uses the latter in its official estimates, placing the number of refugees at approximately 174,000 — despite the fact that no independent or credible census has ever been conducted to verify this. Morocco firmly contests these UNHCR estimates, arguing that they are not based on any verifiable field assessments or tamper-proof data, but rather on information supplied directly by Algerian authorities, as well as based on the number of food rations distributed annually by the UN and donor countries to meet the camps' humanitarian needs. The UNHCR's ongoing failure to conduct a formal population census in the camps — due to Algeria's repeated and stubborn refusal to allow one — further undermines the credibility of its figures. Most observers and experts familiar with this issue agree that Algeria's opposition to a census or referendum is not accidental, but stems from deliberate political calculations. Algeria has long exploited the alleged number of refugees for two main purposes: first, to create the impression that the majority of Sahrawis reside in Tindouf, and that the population is sufficiently large to justify the establishment of a viable state; and second, to avoid having the world discover the true identities of the camp inhabitants, many of whom Algeria presents as native to the southern provinces of Morocco, while in reality, the majority of them are not. Since Algeria adopted its separatist project in the Sahara, several Western intelligence agencies — most notably from the United States — have cast doubt on the tribal origins of the people in the Tindouf camps. As I explain in my book on the dispute, the CIA published multiple reports in the 1970s and 1980s affirming that the majority of the 'refugees' Algeria had gathered in the Tindouf camps had no genuine connection to the Moroccan Sahara. Instead, they hailed from the Algerian region of Tindouf itself (i.e., Sahrawis of Algeria), as well as from Mauritania, Mali, and even from uncontested Moroccan Saharan areas. Consequently, Algeria has no interest in permitting any formal census of the Tindouf camps' population, as such a process could reveal truths that would undermine the narrative it has carefully constructed and promoted for decades. Algeria's embezzlement of humanitarian aid Another key reason Algeria continues to inflate the refugee numbers is to maximize the financial aid it receives from donor countries and international organizations. The higher the declared population, the more funding Algeria and the Polisario Front receive. It is widely known that both Algeria and the Polisario have, for the past four decades, been involved in the systematic and flagrant misappropriation of humanitarian aid intended for the camps. Numerous reports have documented these practices, most notably a 2015 report by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), which issued a direct and unequivocal condemnation of senior Algerian and Polisario officials for diverting aid destined for Sahrawi refugees. That same report revealed that Algeria not only inflated the refugee numbers to increase the aid it received, but also imposed a 5 percent tax on the €10 million in annual assistance provided by the European Union — an egregious violation of basic humanitarian and ethical standards in international aid governance. Thus, when President Trump's advisor for Africa claimed that the Tindouf camps house 200,000 people, he inadvertently handed the Algerian regime a gift — lending false credibility to its inflated figures submitted to the UN and giving Algeria a renewed sense of confidence that it can continue to ignore repeated UN Security Council calls for a proper census without facing serious consequences. Ill intent or lack of knowledge? That being said, Boulos's interview with Al Arabiya should not necessarily be interpreted as an expression of ill intent toward Morocco or as a signal that the U.S. administration has suddenly decided to adopt a more balanced stance favoring Algeria. What happened, quite simply, is that Boulos lacks the political experience and subject-matter expertise to navigate such a complex issue — an opening that Algeria may have skillfully exploited to promote its version of the story. Had Boulos been more informed about the dispute, he would have used that interview to stress the need for Algeria to comply with UN Security Council resolutions calling for a comprehensive census of the Tindouf camps, so the international community could determine the actual number of refugees, verify their identities, and assess their tribal and national affiliations. This would end decades of ambiguity and manipulation that Algeria continues to exploit for political gain. It was therefore imperative for Morocco to act swiftly to set the record straight and to clarify its position in no uncertain terms, especially since Boulos's remarks came at a particularly sensitive moment. Just last week, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy to the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, suggested that Morocco provide 'clarifications' on how it intends to implement the autonomy plan. Bolstered by clear support from both France and the United States, the Moroccan plan is now recognized as the sole credible framework for achieving a final resolution to the dispute. Boulos's statement that U.S. support for Morocco is 'not absolute' opened the floodgates for speculation about the administration's actual intentions: does Washington view the Autonomy Plan as the end point of negotiations, or is it seeking to push for a new phase in which Morocco will be asked to provide additional 'explanations' or make more concessions? The US and the Moroccan cause — an unwavering stance If the United States were to endorse de Mistura's proposal for Morocco to clarify its autonomy offer, it would effectively provide Algeria with a political lifeline — allowing it to continue obstructing progress and avoiding accountability. In this scenario, Algeria would likely push the Polisario to feign willingness to engage in discussions based on the Moroccan initiative — not with the goal of reaching a resolution, but merely to buy time. The Polisario would likely request to 'study' the Moroccan proposal, only to later reject certain elements of it. Entering into negotiations on this basis would enable the Polisario to prolong the conflict — an outcome that clearly serves Algeria's strategic interests. Morocco, however, has been firm and consistent in its stance: the autonomy initiative represents its final political offer, and it constitutes the only viable and realistic basis for any enduring political solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara. For this reason, Morocco could not ildly stand by while a Trump advisor makes statements that could be interpreted as deviating from the clear and principled position previously articulated by the U.S. government. It is unlikely that Boulos would have rushed to give an interview to a Moroccan media outlet without behind-the-scenes involvement from Moroccan authorities at the highest level — who likely urged U.S. State Department and White House officials to correct the record and prevent the kind of misinterpretations that could be exploited by the Algerian regime. Morocco knows that the current geopolitical environment presents a historic opportunity to settle the dispute once and for all, and it will not allow Algeria any openings to stall or weaken the momentum Morocco has built. In this light, Boulos's effort to clarify his earlier remarks was a positive development in itself, suggesting that the back-channel Morocco has likely established with the Trump team is functioning effectively and delivering concrete results. The swift response from the U.S. administration to dispel any doubts about its position indicates its commitment to a final resolution of the dispute — one based on the autonomy plan not as a starting point, but as the endgame. This position further reinforces a growing conviction within U.S. policymaking circles that Algeria — not the Polisario — is the main party to the conflict. And that, for the Algerian regime, represents a nightmare scenario: it has never before had to contend with a U.S. administration this determined to bring the dispute to a close in a manner that safeguards Morocco's full sovereignty over its southern provinces. Samir Bennis is the co-founder and publisher of Morocco World News. You can follow him on Twitter @SamirBennis.
Morocco World
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Western Sahara: Spain Renews Support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan
Rabat – Algeria's regime is enduring a new setback as maneuvers from pro-Polisario advocates in Spain continue to fail to reverse the European country's endorsement of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the most serious and credible basis to end the dispute over Western Sahara. Morocco's Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita visited Madrid as part of his European tour, with the Spanish government seizing this occasion to reiterate its support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a serious and credible political solution to end the dispute. During his visit, Bourita met with Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Manuel Albares, who said that Spain recognizes the importance of the Sahara issue for Morocco, highlighting Morocco's credible and serious efforts within the framework of the UN-led political process to reach a mutually acceptable political solution. Both Bourita and Albares also renewed their commitment to working together to boost bilateral ties between the two countries at all levels, including trade and security. The ministers also welcomed the numerous initiatives and high-level visits from their two countries, pledging to further deepen bilateral relations. Spain and Morocco are also satisfied with the progress made on joint projects as part of the campaign in preparation for the 230 World Cup with Portugal. The statement confirming the autonomy initiative as the most serious, realistic, and credible basis to resolve the dispute reflects the deepening international momentum in support of Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces. It comes as several countries in Europe hold the same position, including Estonia, Hungary, France, and Moldova, all of which have recently described Morocco's autonomy initiative as the most viable path to lasting and sustainable solution of the Sahara dispute. Beyond its support for the Autonomy Plan, France also recognized Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara in July 2024. Spain officially endorsed Morocco's autonomy initiative in 2022, a position that ended a year of political stalemate between the two countries following Madrid's unilateral decision to host Polisario leader Brahim Ghali for hospitalization. After months of dialogue, Spain and Morocco announced a new chapter of ties and a reconciliation strengthened by their position in favor of the Moroccan Sahara stance. Recently, pro-Polisario advocates – mainly Algerian-affiliated media – have resorted to sharing widespread disinformation about the Spanish government's potential change of heart on the Sahara dispute. But Spain's top diplomat responded with comments that reiterated Spain's support for the Moroccan stance, thus dealing another blow to Algeria's continued quest to undermine Morocco's territorial integrity. In addition to Spain and the other European countries that reaffirmed their unwavering position, the US also highlighted its unchanged position on April 8. Bourita visited Washington to meet with senior officials, including Secretary Marco Rubio who described Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the only feasible political solution for the Sahara dispute. Building on the first Trump administration's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, Secretary Rubio's latest comments suggest that the current administration is determined to uphold and deepen the terms of the Sahara proclamation President Trump signed in December 2020.
