King Mohammed VI Criticizes Algeria’s Stance on Moroccan Western Sahara

His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco

The recent speech by King Mohammed VI, delivered on November 6, 2024, in commemoration of the Green March anniversary, has sparked significant attention both within Morocco and abroad. The address, powerful in tone and pointed in content, focused on Morocco’s ongoing commitment to its sovereignty over the Moroccan Western Sahara and served as a direct response to Algeria’s stance on the contentious region. The King’s remarks highlighted what he sees as Algeria’s continued antagonism and reluctance to engage constructively in the Sahara dossier, framing Algeria’s position as increasingly out of touch with both regional aspirations and international consensus.

Morocco’s Unwavering Stand on the Sahara

The speech, marking the 49th anniversary of the Green March, a pivotal moment in Moroccan history that saw hundreds of thousands of Moroccans peacefully march to reclaim the Moroccan Western Sahara, underscored Morocco’s steadfast commitment to maintaining sovereignty over its southern provinces. This event remains a symbol of Moroccan unity and resolve, resonating with the people of Morocco as a reminder of their long-standing connection to the Sahara.

King Mohammed VI reaffirmed Morocco’s position that the Sahara is an integral part of Moroccan territory and criticized those who seek to challenge this reality. While the King did not name Algeria explicitly, his remarks about external forces exploiting the Sahara issue to distract from domestic issues were widely interpreted as a reference to Algeria. The King’s stance reflects the Moroccan government’s frustration with Algeria’s consistent support for the polisario mercenaries, the separatist movement that advocates for an independent Sahara.

The Role of Algeria and the Tindouf Camps

One of the central points of the King’s speech was the ongoing situation in the Tindouf camps, located in Algeria, where Sahrawi refugees have lived for decades under the control of the polisario mercenaries. The King criticized Algeria’s refusal to conduct a census in the camps, a move he argued is indicative of Algeria’s unwillingness to engage transparently. According to the King, the deplorable conditions in Tindouf reflect a broader problem: Algeria’s refusal to allow the Sahrawis autonomy or even basic rights.

This situation in Tindouf has been a long-standing concern for Morocco, and international organizations have also raised issues regarding the welfare of the camps’ inhabitants. Reports have documented cases of malnutrition, limited freedom of movement, and widespread health issues among the Sahrawis in the camps. Allegations of embezzlement of humanitarian aid have further complicated matters, as aid meant for the refugees is believed to have been diverted by the polisario mercenaries, with Algeria allegedly turning a blind eye. The King’s speech emphasized the lack of accountability on Algeria’s part, as it insists on Morocco and the polisario mercenaries negotiating a solution, but refuses to acknowledge its role in supporting the polisario militarily and financially.

The Obsolescence of the Referendum Proposal

In his speech, King Mohammed VI highlighted that Algeria’s continued call for an independence referendum for the Sahara is increasingly unrealistic. The notion of a referendum has been deemed unfeasible by the United Nations and lacks the support it once had on the international stage. The UN’s stance has shifted toward a realistic and pragmatic solution, one that respects Morocco’s territorial integrity while also seeking a peaceful resolution to the Sahara issue.

Algeria’s insistence on an independence referendum for the Sahara, according to the King, is a strategy that clings to outdated ideologies that are disconnected from the current geopolitical landscape. The King’s words underscored Morocco’s commitment to finding a solution that aligns with the desires of the Sahrawi people, who largely identify as Moroccan and are invested in reintegration within Morocco. His remarks suggested that Algeria’s position on the referendum represents a nostalgic attachment to a past that no longer aligns with today’s realities.

The International Community’s Role

The King’s speech also served as a call to the international community to exert more pressure on Algeria to engage in constructive dialogue. The United Nations has repeatedly urged Algeria to take a more active role in the UN-led process for resolving the Sahara issue. Algeria’s refusal to engage in direct dialogue has hindered progress, and many observers argue that Algeria’s stance is a primary roadblock to peace in the region.

The recent UNSG report on the Moroccan Western Sahara situation further highlights the international community’s concerns over the humanitarian conditions in the Tindouf camps. The UN has consistently raised issues regarding the refugees’ rights and the dire conditions in which they live. Antonio Guterres, in his report, called attention to the severe malnutrition and vulnerability faced by the Sahrawis, issues exacerbated by the harsh environment and limited economic opportunities in the camps. King Mohammed VI’s speech suggested that Algeria’s lack of action is not merely passive but an active deflection from its internal issues, an attempt to leverage the Sahara issue to distract from its domestic challenges.

Algeria’s Domestic Distractions

One of the most pointed remarks in the King’s speech was his assertion that Algeria uses the Sahara dossier as a tool to divert attention from its internal problems. This claim highlights a longstanding belief within Morocco that Algeria’s involvement in the Sahara issue serves to rally Algerian nationalism and distract from domestic unrest. Algeria has faced numerous internal challenges in recent years, including political protests, economic instability, and social discontent. By focusing on the Sahara, the Algerian regime can direct public attention away from these pressing issues, the King suggested.

This deflection strategy, the King implied, is evident in Algeria’s persistent efforts to rally international support for the polisario’s separatist cause, even as global support dwindles. Morocco’s recent diplomatic successes, including increased support from African, Arab, and Western countries, indicate a shift in international perception regarding the Sahara issue. More and more countries now recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the region, and the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco is widely seen as a practical framework for resolving the conflict.

Diplomatic Setbacks for Algeria

Algeria’s stance on the Sahara has also led to diplomatic isolation in certain circles. The country’s recent boycott of the UNS Security Council’s vote on Moroccan Western Sahara, as well as its unsuccessful attempts to introduce hostile amendments, reflect a growing frustration within Algeria’s government. The UN’s rejection of these amendments further underscores the international community’s preference for a solution that respects Morocco’s sovereignty.

Morocco has built strong alliances and garnered support for its position, especially within the African Union and the Arab League. These alliances reflect a recognition of Morocco’s efforts to develop the Sahara and integrate it into the country’s social and economic framework. In contrast, Algeria’s support for the polisario mercenaries appears increasingly out of step with regional dynamics, as many African and Arab countries have pivoted toward supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.

Humanitarian Concerns in the Tindouf Camps

The situation in the Tindouf camps remains one of the most pressing humanitarian issues related to the Sahara dossier. In his speech, King Mohammed VI highlighted the suffering of the Sahrawi population in these camps, accusing Algeria and the polisario mercenaries of exploiting their plight for political gain. Reports from humanitarian organizations have highlighted the camps’ harsh conditions, with malnutrition, anemia, and lack of access to healthcare being chronic issues.

The King’s remarks underscored the urgency of addressing these humanitarian concerns and providing the Sahrawis with better living conditions and opportunities. He criticized the polisario’s use of the camp residents as pawns, suggesting that the group’s leadership is more interested in sustaining its political agenda than improving the welfare of the Sahrawi people. This perspective aligns with international reports that have documented cases of humanitarian aid diversion and restrictions on the refugees’ freedom of movement.

Morocco’s Autonomy Plan: A Path Forward

King Mohammed VI reiterated Morocco’s commitment to its autonomy plan for the Sahara, which he views as the most viable and realistic solution. This plan, which grants the Sahrawi region a degree of self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty, has gained international support and is seen by many as a balanced compromise. The plan allows the Sahrawi people to manage their local affairs while remaining part of Morocco, preserving the country’s territorial integrity.

The King’s speech emphasized that the autonomy plan is a progressive solution that respects the wishes of the Sahrawi people and aligns with Morocco’s development goals for the region. Over the past decade, Morocco has invested heavily in infrastructure, education, and economic projects in the Sahara, aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents and integrating the region into the broader Moroccan economy. These efforts have garnered praise from international observers who see them as a demonstration of Morocco’s commitment to the Sahara’s development.

The Future of Morocco-Algeria Relations

The King’s speech leaves little doubt about the strained relations between Morocco and Algeria, yet it also hints at Morocco’s desire for a constructive dialogue if Algeria were willing to participate in good faith. Morocco’s government has consistently expressed a willingness to engage in talks with Algeria to resolve the Sahara issue and improve bilateral relations. However, Algeria’s refusal to participate in the UN-led process and its continued support for the polisario have made this goal elusive.

The King’s call for Algeria to abandon its outdated stance and join the UN process reflects Morocco’s vision for a stable and united Maghreb region. With the geopolitical landscape evolving and new alliances forming, Morocco is positioning itself as a leader in North Africa, while Algeria’s isolationist policies risk leaving it on the sidelines. Many analysts believe that the future of Morocco-Algeria relations will depend on whether Algeria can move beyond its historical grievances and work toward a solution that benefits both countries and the region as a whole.

Conclusion

King Mohammed VI’s historic speech on the 49th anniversary of the Green March served as a powerful reminder of Morocco’s commitment to its sovereignty over the Sahara and a critique of Algeria’s stance on the issue. The King’s remarks underscored the need for a realistic solution, one that acknowledges the current geopolitical realities and respects the wishes of the Sahrawi people. By framing Algeria’s position as increasingly disconnected from reality, the King highlighted Morocco’s diplomatic successes and the growing international support for its autonomy plan.