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In the Face of Morocco’s “Diplomatic Victories”: Algeria Must Rethink Its Strategy and Unleash Sahrawi Initiative

In recent days, international headlines have celebrated what is being portrayed as yet another “diplomatic victory” for Morocco, following the United Kingdom’s shift in tone on the Western Sahara issue. London, it appears, now implicitly supports Rabat’s autonomy proposal. This development echoes similar realignments in several Western capitals. But behind this diplomatic fanfare lies a stark reality: Morocco’s so-called victories are not achievements of principle or legitimacy, but rather the result of calculated concessions—economic, strategic, and political—offered to powerful states in exchange for their endorsement.


Morocco’s Bargain: Trading Sovereignty for Support

Let us be clear: what Rabat presents as foreign support for its autonomy plan is, in most cases, the outcome of transactional diplomacy. What has Morocco promised to the United Kingdom? Access to the natural resources of Western Sahara? Exclusive investment deals or security partnerships?

The same applies to the cases of Spain, Germany, and even the United States. With each declaration of support for Rabat’s proposal comes a parallel agreement—whether in fisheries, energy, arms, or influence—where Morocco surrenders fragments of its own and Sahrawi sovereignty for temporary political gain.

This is not a diplomatic triumph—it is the strategic mortgaging of a land and a people in exchange for the illusion of legitimacy.

Algeria’s Principle Stands Tall—but Needs to Evolve

In contrast, Algeria has remained unwavering in its principled support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. This position, rooted in the nation’s revolutionary ethos and legal commitment to decolonization, has earned respect. But fidelity to principle must be matched with strategic effectiveness.

At present, Algeria provides critical political and humanitarian support to the Polisario Front. Yet paradoxically, it restricts its military scope. In a bid to avoid direct confrontation or escalation, Algeria has imposed limits on the use of advanced weapons systems—such as drones and long-range missiles—that could significantly shift the balance on the ground.

This cautious posture may have been tactically sound in the past, but today it risks freezing the conflict in a status quo that benefits the occupier.

The Time Has Come to Unleash Sahrawi Resolve

It is no longer coherent for Algeria to demand international recognition for the Sahrawi cause while simultaneously constraining its most effective means of pressure. History teaches us that liberation struggles are not won by resolutions alone—but through pressure, resistance, and strategic boldness.

Algeria must grant the Polisario Front full autonomy in its military and political decision-making. Let the Sahrawis choose their tools of resistance. Let them shape the battlefield on their own terms. Only then can the issue reemerge on the international agenda not as a dormant file, but as a living cause—active, determined, and impossible to ignore.

Algeria Must Move from Reaction to Initiative

Algeria must no longer play defense. It must return to the realm of strategic initiative. For every Moroccan diplomatic maneuver, there must be a counterweight: in Africa, in Latin America, in Southeast Asia, and at the heart of multilateral forums.

Statements of condemnation are no longer enough. Moral high ground must be matched by action. Otherwise, the risk is that we slowly lose both diplomatic ground and legal leverage—even while defending a just cause.

Conclusion: True to Our Principles, and True to Our Mission

Algeria has never compromised its values—and it never will. But it must now harmonize its principles with a renewed sense of purpose, courage, and strategic flexibility. It must cease acting as guardian over the Sahrawi struggle, and instead become its liberator—by trusting its leadership and empowering its choices.

In today’s world, just causes do not win by virtue alone. They prevail when matched with resolve, strength, and vision. The time for caution has passed. The time for decisive, intelligent action has come.


By Belgacem Merbah


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