SADR President Brahim Ghali Condemns Misleading Statements on Western Sahara in Letter to UN Chief
The President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, has sent a formal letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemning the “irresponsible and inaccurate statements” by some governments regarding the situation in Western Sahara.
In the letter, Ghali accused unnamed states of attempting to “create a smokescreen” to obscure the realities on the ground in occupied Western Sahara, and to divert attention from an ongoing conflict he characterizes as a “war of aggression” waged by Morocco since 1975. Copies of the correspondence were also addressed to the President of the UN Security Council, China’s ambassador Fu Cong.
Ghali argued that peace in the region cannot be achieved by “rewarding” Morocco or endorsing the expansionist policies, insisting instead that a lasting settlement must be based on the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and independence. He further reaffirmed that Western Sahara remains a decolonization issue on the UN agenda and criticized efforts he believes undermine that status.
The letter also challenged the characterization of a ceasefire in the territory, stating that hostilities resumed after November 2020 following developments at Guerguerat. Ghali asserted that current conditions amount to an “open state of war,” placing responsibility on Morocco for renewed conflict. He also referenced UN reports and Security Council discussions that expressed concern over the breakdown of the ceasefire arrangements.
In addition, the Sahrawi leader accused Moroccan forces of carrying out attacks resulting in civilian casualties, including the use of drones, and described such actions as violations of international humanitarian law. He urged the United Nations and its member states to hold Morocco accountable and reiterated that only recognition of self-determination can lead to a durable peace in the region.
