ALGERIAN PATRIOTS - ENGLISH

The growing recognition by Western powers of Morocco's autonomy plan for the Western Sahara is exacerbating tensions in North Africa. Faced with what it perceives as a growing threat, Algeria may be prompted to resort to force to protect its vital interests. This article explores the reasons behind this worrying possibility and examines the potential implications for the region. A Disturbing Parallel: Ukraine and Western Sahara There are striking similarities between the conflicts in Ukraine and Western Sahara. Russia, in 2022, justified its military intervention in Ukraine by several factors. It perceived Ukraine as an essential buffer zone against NATO expansion, a direct threat to its national security. Moreover, Moscow's historical and cultural ties with Ukraine, the protection of Russian-speaking minorities and the desire to maintain its regional influence motivated it to act. Similarly, Algeria sees Western support for Morocco's claim to Western Sahara as a direct thr

Algeria expressed on Thursday its "deep disapproval" of the recent French decision to support Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This stance was described as "unexpected, inappropriate, and counterproductive" by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Algerian government clearly stated that it would draw all the consequences from this decision, placing full responsibility on the French government. The French recognition of the Moroccan autonomy plan, seen as legitimizing Morocco's contested sovereignty over Western Sahara, provoked a strong reaction in Algeria. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned this decision as an act supporting a "colonial fact," which is incompatible with the principles of decolonization supported by the international community. This stance is all the more controversial given that it comes from a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which is supposed to respect and promote international leg

The Western Sahara conflict, located in northwest Africa, is one of the oldest and most complex decolonization issues in the world. Since Spain's departure in 1976, the territory has been disputed between Morocco and the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi national liberation movement. This article explores the genesis of the conflict, key developments, UN resolutions, and the current situation, highlighting the right to self-determination for the Sahrawi people and the obstacles to peace, particularly the role of corruption in blocking the peace process by Morocco. Genesis of the Conflict Spanish Colonial Period Western Sahara was a Spanish colony since the late 19th century. In 1963, the UN included the territory on the list of non-self-governing territories, thereby recognizing the right of its inhabitants to self-determination (UN General Assembly Resolution 1514). Calls for decolonization intensified in the 1960s and 1970s as liberation movements in Africa gained influence. The Emergen

The Night of the Sharp Knives , which took place on November 14, 1976, was one of the bloodiest incidents in the history of the conflict between Algeria and Morocco. This event, also known as the "Battle of Amgala II," witnessed a surprise attack by Algerian special forces on Moroccan forces stationed in Amgala. Background of the Conflict The conflict over Western Sahara began after Spain withdrew in 1975, when Morocco and Mauritania divided the territory amidst opposition from the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, which demanded complete independence for the Sahara. Tensions between Morocco and Algeria escalated due to Algeria’s support for the Polisario Front, leading to armed clashes. Events at Amgala On January 31, 1975, Moroccan forces attacked Algerian troops present in Amgala to supply the Polisario Front, killing more than 100 Algerian soldiers. This attack enraged Algeria, which vowed a severe military response. The Algerian Response On November 14, 1976, Algeri