Algeria Expresses Outrage Over French Government’s Recognition of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara
Algeria expressed today its deep regret and strong condemnation regarding the French government’s decision to recognize Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Western Sahara. The Algerian government affirmed that it would take all necessary measures and hold the French government fully accountable, as stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad.
The statement read: “The Algerian government has taken note, with great regret and strong disapproval, of the unexpected, ill-judged, and counterproductive decision by the French government to provide unequivocal support for the autonomy plan for the Western Sahara region under purported Moroccan sovereignty. Algerian authorities were informed of this decision by their French counterparts in recent days.”
The statement further emphasized, “It appears that former and current colonial powers know how to align, understand, and assist one another.”
According to the statement, the French decision is based on dubious political calculations, unethical assumptions, and legally unsound interpretations. It claimed that this choice does not contribute to a peaceful resolution of the Western Sahara issue but rather exacerbates the stagnation and deadlock caused by Morocco’s autonomy plan for over seventeen years.
Despite the longstanding international consensus that the Western Sahara issue should be addressed as part of the decolonization process, the French decision seeks to distort facts by endorsing a colonial reality and unjustifiably supporting alleged Moroccan sovereignty over the region. Adding to the controversy is the fact that this decision comes from a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which is expected to act in accordance with international legitimacy and the decisions of this body.
The statement continued: “At a time when the United Nations is intensifying efforts to inject new momentum into finding a political settlement to the Western Sahara conflict, the French decision contradicts these efforts, hampers their implementation, and clashes with the overarching interest of peace, security, and stability in the region.”
The Algerian government noted, “The French decision does not serve the objectives of peace in Western Sahara and prolongs the stagnation of the political process to resolve this issue. It contributes to perpetuating the colonial status quo in the region.”
Consequently, the statement concluded, “The Algerian government will draw all necessary conclusions and consequences from this French decision and hold the French government solely and fully responsible for it.”
