Omar Hilal affirms the Moroccanity of the Sahara through history, law, and the freedom of its inhabitants
Omar Hilal, Morocco’s permanent representative to the United Nations, emphasized during the regional conference of the Committee of 24 in Timor-Leste that the Sahara is Moroccan based on historical and legal grounds, as well as the freedom of expression of its people. He stated that it is time for other parties to recognize this reality and to build a future characterized by peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and the continent.
Hilal criticized Algeria, claiming it hinders the resolution of the regional conflict regarding the Moroccan Sahara through maneuvers and practices that aim to destabilize the area. He noted that Algeria provides military, financial, and diplomatic support to the separatist Polisario Front, despite its claims of not being a party to the dispute, which negatively impacts the political process despite Morocco and the United Nations’ efforts.
The ambassador added that the international community is beginning to take a definitive stance on the conflict, referring to the withdrawal of recognition from the fictitious entity by several countries and the support of over 116 countries for Morocco’s autonomy initiative, in addition to approximately 30 countries opening consulates in the southern regions. He affirmed that Morocco views these steps as clear support for its sovereignty over its territory.
Hilal highlighted that Morocco has been engaged from the beginning in efforts to liberate its Sahara through the United Nations, referring to the Madrid Agreement of 1975, through which Morocco regained its southern provinces. He pointed out that the Security Council has abandoned the option of a referendum in favor of a realistic political solution that ensures stability, considering the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the only basis for a lasting settlement, calling on parties, particularly Algeria, to show a genuine willingness for dialogue to close the chapter on this conflict.
