In the United Nations hall in New York, where speeches intersect and power balances are shaped, Morocco’s voice emerged confident and decisive. Ambassador Omar Hilale’s response was not merely diplomatic commentary on a repetitive Algerian speech; it was a fresh declaration of Morocco’s strong stance based on historical and legal legitimacy. At the conclusion of the eightieth session of the General Assembly, there was a direct response to the Algerian Foreign Minister’s remarks, as Hilale took the initiative to dismantle misconceptions, asserting that his country’s intervention was grounded in facts rather than disputes. He emphasized that Morocco not only defended its position but also reminded the international community of its long history of commitment and effort within the UN.
Hilale stressed that Morocco was the one that initiated the inclusion of the Sahara issue on the General Assembly’s agenda in 1963, viewing it as part of the national liberation process post-independence. He noted that history clearly records Morocco as the party that brought the matter to the United Nations, rendering all attempts at disruption futile. This affirmation reflects a nation confident in the legitimacy of its claims, rooted in a historical record that cannot be overlooked.
In a thorough dissection of the Algerian arguments, Hilale recalled General Assembly Resolution 3458B issued in 1975, which recognized the Madrid Agreements as a legal framework for ending Spanish colonialism over the Moroccan Sahara. He highlighted that this resolution, documented in the UN hall itself, confirms that the restoration of the southern territories was achieved through a legitimate international process. The message is clear: Morocco does not require new justifications, as international law has supported its position for half a century.
The Moroccan diplomat also clarified that addressing the Sahara issue within the UN is no longer solely linked to decolonization; it has become part of international peace and security concerns. He pointed out that the Security Council, including Algeria as a current member, categorizes the matter under realistic political settlement, positioning Morocco’s autonomy proposal from 2007 as the cornerstone for any lasting solution. This initiative, which has received continuous international recognition as serious and credible, showcases Morocco’s ability to propose practical solutions, not mere slogans.
Through this response, Morocco sent a powerful political message: defending the Sahara is not just a temporary stance, but a strategic choice rooted in history, law, and international legitimacy. Hilale’s words weren’t merely a passing debate but a confirmation that Morocco is a country capable of confronting misleading narratives with evidence and that it is steadfast in solidifying its position as a regional power and responsible actor within the United Nations.
