Recently, Morocco has expressed strong objections to what it calls Algeria’s ‘double speak’ regarding the United Nations mission in the Sahara, known as MINURSO. Algeria’s representative to the UN has repeatedly requested an expansion of MINURSO’s mandate to include human rights monitoring, falsely claiming that all peacekeeping missions do so. However, Morocco highlights that seven out of eleven UN peacekeeping missions lack such a mandate, intensifying the debate following a Security Council resolution that dismissed Algeria’s request while extending MINURSO’s mandate for another year.
Moroccan diplomat Majda Moutchou firmly rebutted Algeria’s claims, labelling them as misinformation. She noted that MINURSO is tasked solely with monitoring the ceasefire and pointed out Algeria’s questionable position on human rights, given the severe violations reported in the Tindouf camps. These camps house numerous Sahrawis who allegedly endure harsh conditions at the hands of militia forces, used as political pawns by Algeria.
Furthermore, she stressed that the pursuit of self-determination should not compromise the territorial integrity of sovereign states. Her comments hint at the predicament of the Kabyle people and other movements seeking independence amidst Algeria’s attempts to manipulate the self-determination narrative for its foreign agenda.
Algeria has been urged to ensure unhindered operation of the MINURSO teams, which have faced logistical challenges due to the Polisario Front’s obstruction. Recent UN Security Resolutions emphasise MINURSO’s focus on ceasefire monitoring, while acknowledging the proactive role of Morocco’s Human Rights Council in the Sahara region.
In the context of human rights, Algeria faces scrutiny for its poor record and continued denial of access to independent human rights observers. The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders expressed concern regarding the ongoing harassment of activists, alongside the shutdown of various human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Algeria must confront its own human rights issues, particularly in the Tindouf area, where serious violations persist under the oversight of the Polisario separatist group.
Morocco has rejected Algeria’s attempts to expand MINURSO’s human rights mandate, claiming misinformation. Diplomat Majda Moutchou highlighted Algeria’s human rights violations in Tindouf camps, refuting their arguments on self-determination while urging them to facilitate MINURSO operations. Algeria’s own poor human rights record raises questions about its credibility in the debate.
In conclusion, Morocco’s strong rebuttal against Algeria’s claims regarding MINURSO highlights the complexities of the Sahara conflict, including the significant human rights concerns in Algeria itself. The contrasting stances between the two nations reveal underlying tensions over sovereignty and human rights, emphasising the need for authenticity and accountability in discussing these essential issues. Algeria is encouraged to rectify its own human rights record rather than divert attention elsewhere.
Original Source: northafricapost.com
