During a conference under the theme "Historical Foundations of the Moroccan Sahara," Mr. Lahcen Mahraoui went through different historical stages of the strong ties that have always existed between Morocco and southern provinces, particularly through documents, testimonies and authentic connections available in the archives of some countries and in European national libraries.

"The Sahara has always been an integral part of the Kingdom, as evidenced by allegiance of the Sahrawi people to Moroccan Sultans throughout the history of Morocco, becoming a state since the 9th century," said Mr. Mahraoui, explaining that this sign of sovereignty over the Sahara is manifested by the appointment by the Sultan of local leaders (caids, judges and military leaders).

Moreover, continued Mr. Mahraoui, the founders of dynasties in Morocco were often from Sahrawi tribes.

The speaker refers to authentic documents "which reflect the actual, continuous and permanent exercise of sovereignty by the sultans in the Sahara territory ", including Dahirs, dating from 1880, by which Moroccan sultans appoint leaders, give them instructions or assignments.

He likewise showed letters of Sahrawi tribal leaders sent to Moroccan Sultans.

Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, he said, was also enshrined in treaties and conventions signed between Morocco and foreign powers to protect the activities of their citizens in the Sahara.

Among these agreements, those signed between Morocco and the United States in 1786, England (1801) and Spain (1869).


Mr. Mahraoui also mentioned testimonies and quotes from major foreign political figures of various nationalities including French, English and German proving the Moroccan Sahara from the period of the 17th century protectorate.

Morocco was the only African country under the two Spanish and French colonization, he said, noting that the process of decolonization of parts under Spanish occupation (North and South) was peaceful and progressive following negotiations between the two States.

Although Ceuta and Melilla and the Islands Jaafarines are still under Spanish occupation, said the speaker, the southern part of Morocco was decolonized in 1975 after the Green March, the signing of the Madrid treaties and the "Baya of the Jamaa" which represented Sahrawis in these territories.

According to Mr. Mahraoui, the Sahara issue today is no longer a question of decolonization but " a regional political conflict supported by the regime in Algeria, including the services of the Algerian military security" .


From the beginning of the conflict, he said, the involvement of Algeria was obvious, its responsibility in this conflict is clearly established at the diplomatic, military and humanitarian levels through actions and positions in all international forums.

In the same vein, he recalled the statements of some Algerian officials backing the Moroccan Sahara and lamenting their country's involvement in this issue.

He cited former presidents including Mr. Ahmed Ben Bella who claims to be "always against the Algiers position on the conflict" and that "the political solution to Sahara issue is under Moroccan sovereignty."


This conference was organized within the 15-th anniversary of the Moroccan Association for Sahrawi Solidarity in Europe in the presence of the Ambassador of Morocco to Belgium and Luxembourg, Mr. Samir Addahre and general consuls of Antwerp and Brussels.

Nearly five hundred people, including a large Moroccan community in several European countries such as the Netherlands, France, Italy and Spain took part in this event which included songs and dances belonging to the pure Hassani tradition.

- News and events on Western Sahara issue / Corcas -