Khalihenna Ould Errachid added that the Council, which includes "all Sahrawi groups" "is a reflection of the nature of society in the Sahara."
He strongly defended autonomy in the Sahara as the "only viable solution", adding that “the establishment of a small state will lead to constant conflicts between tribes over resources, "which would create" a second Darfur in Africa. "
The Chairman of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs sees in the recent decision of the UN Security Council as "political solution" which is fully consistent with the autonomy solution as it "lies in between independence and full integration, and for this reason it is based on the principle of no winner or looser ".
Mr. Ould Errachid hopes to "know the true view of refugees" who are on the other side, pointing out that "freedom of expression and demonstration exists in the Sahara," in the sense that the security forces intervene only in the moments when demonstrations turn into violent.
He said in this context that "there are some people with secessionist ideas, and they make use of violence in the streets but they are a minority."
El pais: Coracs was activated many times by the king, is it serious this time?
KOE: the last council did not accomplish its mission. The current Council meets the royal will to find greater space for Sahrawis inside Morocco. We will resolve the problem in dignity.
El pais: would not be better to listen to Sahrawis in Laayoune instead of Rabat:
KOE: this is a secondary issue. This council comes from the king’s determination and therefore should be close to Him. It is dependent on the king and to whom it submits thoughts.
El pais: you have been the mayor of Laayoune for 23 years, suddenly you move to Rabat?
KOE: I live in both cities. I was minister under Hassan II reign for 17 years. So I was obliged to live in Rabat. But I come from the Sahara and I know the region’s problems.
El pais: Corcas members were appointed not elected, but free democracy starts from free elections isn’t it?
KOE: Our society is still tribal. Corcas is not an elected body. It reflects the Saharan society. There are council’s presidents, Mps, sheiks, and civil society. Most important is the fact that they belong to all factions.
El pais: why cannot Sahrawis choose between autonomy and independence?
KOE: this a complicated issue. We cannot apply other models in the Sahara. The Sahara does not include the Saharan tribal space only. The 34 tribes throughout 1 million km, from Guelmim to the south to northern Mauritania, including south-western Algeria and part of Mali. So, why shoul we grant autonomy to Moroccan Sahrawis and not to Algerian Sahrawis? It will be unfair for Morocco.
El pais: why did Africa accept borders inherited from colonisation even if they are messy?
KOE: this is why many wars were waged in the continent. And this is what we want to avoid. The setting up of small countries will bring about wars between the tribes for resources. The only solution for the Sahara is autonomy.
El pais: the last report by Kofi Annan has avoided talking about discussions between Morocco and Polisario on autonomy for it will mean recognition of Moroccan sovereignty?
KOE: and the last Security Council resolution proposes a political and consensual solution. If we read between the lines, it means autonomy. Autonomy stands mid-way between independence and full adherence. There will be no winner or loser.
El pais: You say that only one third of Sahrawis living in the refugee camps are separatists, aren’t there other ones inside?
KOE: I am willing to know what do refugees really think about. There is freedom of speech in the Sahara. The freedom to go to the streets might be oppressed only when there is violence. Some people hold separatist ideas and they are heard because they use violence in the streets.
El pais: so Ali Salem Tamek has no authority?
KOE: he is a Sahrawi young man who was born in Assa, a region handed over to Morocco by Spain in 1958. Ha has been released recently. I called him to congratulate him. I want to talk to him because I’m sure he will be convinced at the end.
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