The international « Tamuda Bay » forum for culture, heritage, and tourism, along with the Association of Productive Women, organized a symposium on Wednesday in Fnideq, gathering academics, lawyers, and elected officials. The focus was on the progress of the Moroccan Sahara issue, with particular attention to recent official positions from Spain and France.
Speakers delved into key historical milestones in the Moroccan Sahara issue, tracing it from Morocco’s independence to the current proposal for autonomy and increasing international recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.
Adel Dakdaki, director of the Historical Memory Space for Resistance and Liberation in Tetouan, offered a chronological overview of the Sahara issue since the 1960s, noting Morocco’s early claim to the territory following its independence, which was initially rejected by the colonial Spanish authorities. He highlighted the pivotal role of the 1975 International Court of Justice opinion, which recognized historical Moroccan ties to the Sahara, leading to the peaceful Green March organized by King Hassan II.
Additionally, Noufel Baamri, a lawyer and Sahara researcher, underscored the significance of Spanish and French stances, highlighting how these strengthen Morocco’s position internationally and impact UN Security Council decisions. He also mentioned the support of numerous European countries and the United States, which have embraced Morocco’s autonomy proposal.
Mustapha El Ghachi, professor and former dean of the Faculty of Letters and Humanities in Tetouan, outlined the extensive development and infrastructure progress achieved in the Sahara regions since their reintegration into Morocco. He emphasized how these advancements have brought stability and improved quality of life to the residents, reflecting the economic and social dynamism of the region.
