French Minister’s Visit to Western Sahara Draws Algerian Condemnation
Laayoune, Western Sahara – Algeria has strongly condemned the recent visit by French Culture Minister Rachida Dati to the disputed territory of Western Sahara, calling it a "serious violation" of international law.
Background: A Longstanding Conflict
Western Sahara is a vast, sparsely populated region on the Atlantic coast, formerly a Spanish colony. Morocco controls approximately 80% of the territory, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, has claimed independence for decades. The conflict has been ongoing for over 50 years.
France’s Shift in Position
In July 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron broke with France’s traditional position of neutrality and endorsed Morocco’s plan for autonomy in Western Sahara. This decision led to a diplomatic crisis with Algeria, which had supported the UN-led process for a self-determination referendum.
Dati’s ‘Historic’ Visit
On February 17, 2023, Minister Dati visited Laayoune, the main city in Western Sahara, to open a French cultural center. She described her visit as "historic," as it was the first by a French minister to the territory that Morocco refers to as its "Southern Provinces."
Algeria’s Condemnation
The Algerian Foreign Ministry released a statement denouncing Dati’s visit as "deplorable on multiple levels." It accused France of flouting international law and the UN Security Council’s position, which supports the decolonization process in Western Sahara.
Algeria’s Concerns
Algeria fears that France’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan could undermine international efforts to resolve the conflict. The Algerian government also expressed concern that the visit "reinforces the fait accompli of Morocco’s occupation in Western Sahara" and deprives the Sahrawi people of their right to self-determination.
UN Resolution and Broken Ceasefire
A UN Security Council resolution passed in October 2024 called for a "realistic and mutually acceptable" solution to the conflict, based on international law. However, the ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front broke down in November 2020, following a Moroccan military operation.
International Stalemate
The international community remains divided on the issue of Western Sahara. The conflict is considered one of the longest-running unresolved conflicts in the world, and efforts to find a diplomatic solution have repeatedly stalled.
Potential Implications
Algeria’s strong reaction to Dati’s visit highlights the ongoing tensions between Morocco and Algeria over Western Sahara. The conflict has the potential to destabilize the region and impede economic development in North Africa.
Conclusion
The French minister’s visit to Western Sahara has reignited the diplomatic standoff between France and Algeria. Algeria’s condemnation reflects its concerns about Morocco’s autonomy plan and the potential weakening of international efforts to resolve the conflict. The future of Western Sahara remains uncertain, and the dispute continues to be a source of regional tension.
