In a recent communication to the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, the separatist Polisario Front expressed its concerns over the situation in the Moroccan Sahara, particularly in light of Morocco’s alleged intentions to include parts of the Sahara territories in the 2030 World Cup.
The Moroccan Sahara region has been a long-standing point of contention between the Polisario and Morocco, which maintains sovereignty over the territory.
The letter from Polisario arrives in the context of ongoing tensions in the Moroccan Sahara, which escalated following the Polisario’s violation of a longstanding ceasefire on November 13, 2020.
Polisario’s concerns are rooted in what they perceive as Morocco’s ambition to host the prestigious 2030 World Cup within the Moroccan Sahara region.
The move by Morocco to incorporate these territories into its World Cup bid has sown fear in Polisatio and raised questions about the “legality” of such an endeavor and its potential consequences on the ongoing United Nations-led peace process.
The UN’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, has been working tirelessly to find a peaceful solution to the longstanding conflict.
The separatists’ leader Brahim Ghali, in his letter to the UN, has called for immediate international attention to halt any actions that may be deemed “illegal” in the Moroccan Sahara zones.
Ghali has urged countries and organizations to fulfill their obligations while refraining from actions that could contribute to the consolidation of an uncertain situation in the Moroccan Sahara.
It’s worth noting that Polisario and its militia have been suspected of having links to terrorist organizations, providing them with arms and logistical assistance, which includes fuel.
On top of that, international NGOs have previously pointed out that the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf, controlled by Polisario, represent a place of lawlessness and a dire humanitarian crisis.
These NGOs highlighted the countless instances of abuse and violations carried out by Polisario torturers in this isolated Algerian region, drawing the UNHRC’s attention to the severe living conditions endured by refugees in these camps.