The separatist Polisario Front is now seen as a mercenary militia and a destabilizing force in the region, according to a recent report published by the Royal Institute for Strategic Studies.
In 2011, some Polisario members were accused of fighting alongside Muammar Gaddafi’s troops during the Libyan conflict, signaling their involvement in external conflicts.
Even more alarming is the connection between Polisario and the Islamic State in the Great Sahara, where the group’s founder, Adnan Abu Al Walid Al-Sahrawi, came from the ranks of Polisario.
This affiliation raises concerns about the potential collaboration between local and foreign extremist groups, including Hezbollah, which has long-standing ties with Polisario.
The report refers to a senior Polisario leader’s statement in January 2023 which further exacerbates the situation. The leader expressed the militia’s intent to attack Moroccan civilian populations and disrupt the country’s economic infrastructure. This threat, including the mention of possible suicide bombers, underscores the gravity of the situation.
Algeria’s historical involvement in supporting various separatist movements, such as the Movimiento por la Autodeterminación e Independencia del Archipiélago Canario, and terrorists like Carlos, points to a longstanding pattern of actions aimed at destabilizing Morocco.
This tactic serves Algeria’s desire to prevent Morocco from asserting its rights over certain territories annexed by France and ceded to Algeria.
The report says that the “SADR,” proclaimed in 1976, is a mere puppet entity created by Algeria to further its territorial ambitions. Notably, the majority of United Nations member states do not recognize this entity. It was established by Algeria as part of a broader strategy to destabilize Morocco and extend its influence in the region.
The report highlights Algeria’s direct involvement in the Sahara conflict which is evident through its interference in UN and Moroccan initiatives.
The country’s officials have provided instructions to Polisario representatives and influenced their proposals, even during humanitarian confidence-building measures discussions.
Despite this support, not all of Algeria’s political and religious leaders back the militia. Some, like former President Ben Bella, have acknowledged Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.
The conflict over the Moroccan Sahara, originally manufactured by colonial powers, continues to impede regional stability and development, says the report.
Morocco has consistently pursued a peaceful resolution, including the autonomy initiative, while simultaneously investing in the region’s development. The international community widely recognizes Morocco’s efforts and its sovereignty over the Sahara.
In addition to harming Morocco-Algeria relations, the conflict disrupts the Maghreb construction process and negatively affects ties with African, European, and other states. It also places significant financial burdens on Morocco and Algeria and jeopardizes the entire Sahelo-Saharan region’s future.
The report emphasizes the importance of a constructive response from Algerian leaders to King Mohammed VI’s efforts to resolve the Sahara issue peacefully.
The report underlines that Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara is not aimed at harming Algeria’s interests but rather at achieving regional stability and development.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.