Sahrawi Government Warns Against “Africa Eco Race” in Occupied Territory
The Sahrawi government has issued a stern warning to the organizers of the “Africa Eco Race,” condemning plans to include the occupied territories of Western Sahara in the 16th edition of the event. Scheduled to run from December 28, 2024, to January 12, 2025, the race is seen as a violation of international law and a provocation in what remains an active war zone since November 13, 2020.
In a statement released by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and reported by the Sahrawi News Agency (SPS), the government criticized the collaboration between the race organizers and Moroccan authorities. The statement emphasized that the inclusion of Western Sahara’s land, air, and sea territories in the event constitutes a serious breach of the region’s sovereignty.
“Due to Morocco’s breach of the ceasefire and its subsequent collapse, all Sahrawi territories remain an open war zone,” the government declared. It called on governments, private entities, and individuals to refrain from participating in or sponsoring activities within the occupied territories, underscoring the potential dangers and legal consequences of such actions.
The Sahrawi government also reiterated its right to respond firmly to any activities undermining its sovereignty. “We hold the organizers, participants, and sponsors of the so-called Africa Eco Race fully responsible for any consequences arising from their entry into our national territory,” the statement warned.
The SADR further accused Morocco of destabilizing the region, endangering the already stalled UN-led peace process, and threatening regional security. The statement concluded by urging the international community to hold Morocco accountable for its actions, which jeopardize peace and stability in North Africa.
This latest warning reflects the growing tensions in Western Sahara, where the Sahrawi people continue to demand their right to self-determination in the face of Moroccan occupation and international neglect.
