Algeria Condemns Britain’s Bizarre Stance on Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara

The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement that vividly articulates its discontent regarding the recent and unexpected stance taken by the United Kingdom on the contentious issue of Western Sahara.

In a tone marked by dismay, Algeria expressed profound regret over the UK’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan, a proposal that has lingered for eighteen years without ever being genuinely put forward to the Sahrawi people as a foundation for negotiation. Algeria pointed out that this initiative has consistently been met with skepticism by the United Nations envoys who have successively occupied the role. Each envoy has recognized that the Moroccan proposition is devoid of substantive content and fails to offer a viable path toward a serious and credible resolution of the protracted conflict in Western Sahara.

The statement further underscored that the intent behind Morocco’s autonomy plan has never been to serve as a legitimate political solution to this enduring dispute. Instead, its true purpose has been to thwart any earnest efforts aimed at achieving a meaningful settlement, thereby allowing Morocco to gain precious time, while gradually conditioning the international community to acquiesce to the colonial status quo represented by the unlawful occupation of Western Sahara.

Algeria took note of the fact that the United Kingdom refrained from addressing Morocco’s purported sovereignty over Western Sahara, choosing not to lend any support to this claim. This omission signifies a refusal to legitimize the illegal occupation of a territory that is classified under international law as a “non-self-governing territory.”

Moreover, the statement brought to light that during a recent press conference, the British Secretary of State emphatically reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to the principle of self-determination. This assertion adds an intriguing layer to the already complex narrative surrounding the UK’s position.

In light of the contradictory nature of the British stance on the Western Sahara issue, Algeria optimistically anticipates that the United Kingdom, as a permanent member of the Security Council, will continue to hold Morocco accountable for its international obligations and uphold the principles of international law. This includes a steadfast commitment to the United Nations doctrine concerning the decolonization process.

Through its statement, Algeria reiterates the paramount importance of a peaceful and just resolution to the Western Sahara conflict, fervently urging the international community to champion the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.