UN Tensions Rise as Morocco and Algeria Clash Over Western Sahara Dispute

Morocco and Algeria have once again aired their divisions over the Sahara. Invited to exercise his right of reply following the speech at the podium of his Moroccan counterpart, Algerian ambassador Amar Bendjama violently attacked the Moroccan. He accused Omar Hilale of having "distorted" the remarks of Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the Sahara issue. Last week, the Algerian president reiterated his support for the organization of a self-determination referendum.

"Each to his own camp. We Algerians have chosen the camp of justice, decolonization, freedom, self-determination and human rights. This commitment applies in favor of the Sahrawi people’s cause, who have been waiting for nearly half a century for the UN to do them justice," said Amar Bendjama. Supporting his president’s remarks, he insisted on the organization of a self-determination referendum. "If in Western Sahara, the Moroccan occupation had really made it a paradise, with or without the granting of autonomy, why then prevent this referendum?" questioned the Algerian diplomat, also refuting the "accusations of terrorism concerning the Polisario".

"Let no one be fooled, for all hegemonic powers have always tried to demonize the resisters and the freedom fighters," he said, before reiterating Algeria’s condolences to Morocco struck by a deadly earthquake on September 8. The reaction of the Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations did not wait. "We cannot shed crocodile tears and at the same time attack a country that is still living in a drama. [...] You express your solidarity and support but at the same time you inject your venom, you insult the dead, you insult the Moroccans," retorted Omar Hilale.

Addressing the Moroccan autonomy plan, the Moroccan diplomat hammered: "the autonomy initiative within the framework of national sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Morocco remains the only way to turn the page on this regionally manufactured conflict." And to insist: "Morocco is in its Sahara and will remain there until the end of time".