Western Sahara: Morocco accused of displacing Sahrawi people
Morocco has been accused of systemically displacing the Sahrawi people from the Western Sahara region in a bid to continue their ambitions of gaining sovereignty over the region.
The accusations follow a number of victories for Rabat which continues to seeks support around the world for its territorial claims on the region.
The Algerian news outlet AL 24 on April 23rd, claimed that Morocco has continuously destroyed homes and confiscated land across the Western Sahara with rights groups claiming them to have shown a disregard for human and legal rights.
Algeria has consistently contested Morocco’s claims to sovereignty over the Western Sahara region despite Morocco enjoying widespread international support, instead supporting the Polisario Front, a pro-saharawi political party.
The Sahrawi Association ASVDH released a statement condemning the disregard for the human and legal rights of the Sahrawi citizens following the demolition of a number of homes in the suburbs of occupied El Aaiún
The Western Sahara remains as a “non-self governing territory” according to the United Nations however Morocco has enjoyed widespread support from the international community for their claims to sovereignty over the region.
On April 9th, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio “reiterated that the United States recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and supports Morocco’s serious, credible and realistic autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the crisis.”
This was followed up by Oman and France reiterating their support for Morocco, with the latter causing further tension with neighbouring Algeria who have been long time opponents to the sovereignty plan.
Algeria has firmly supported the Polisario Front, the political party that represents the rights of the native Sahrawi people.
Morocco has repeatedly blocked supporters of the Polisario Front from accessing the region, on March 15th authorities at the international airport in Laayoune, Morocco banned three Spanish citizens from entering the Western Sahara due to their support for Polisario Front.
In February, authorities had expelled four members of the European Parliament after they tried to enter Laayoune.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita defended the eviction and claimed that the attempt by the members of the European Parliament were a “disruptive move with no impact”, stressing that all visits must adhere to the regulatory procedures.
AL24, Maghrebi
Want to chase the pulse of North Africa?
Enter your email address and name to receive our weekly newsletter.
