When it comes to the thorny issue of Western Sahara, international relations can quickly turn into a complex diplomatic game, and there is no doubt about this with the recent “convergence of views” between Algeria and Belgium. This rapprochement provoked the ire of the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, who seemed determined to advance his policy in this tumultuous region.
Belgium under pressure
Since it normalized relations with Israel in 2020, in exchange for the recognition by the American administration of Moroccan sovereignty over the occupied Sahrawi territories, Morocco has sought to obtain the support of other countries, in particular within the Union European, to consolidate its position in Western Sahara.
Belgium is the latest target of the King of Morocco in this quest for international support. Just days after an RTBF investigation highlighted the questionable practices of the Moroccan ambassador in Brussels, the Moroccan news agency MAP reported a statement from the spokesperson for the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, suggesting alleged Belgian support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara.
However, it is important to note that the Moroccan agency neither mentions the name of the spokesperson nor reports the statement in its entirety, contrary to usual practice. The MAP dispatch mainly consists of reminders of Belgium’s previous positions regarding this conflict which has continued since 1975. It recalls that Belgium had simply “appreciated” Morocco’s efforts to find a solution to the conflict, which does not mean unconditional support.
A knee-jerk reaction from Morocco
According to reliable sources, the reaction of the MAP would be a “knee-jerk” response to the visit of the Secretary General of the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lounes Magramane, to Brussels, where he participated in the fourth session of Algerian-Belgian political consultations.
During this meeting, representatives of the two countries had “constructive discussions” on the need to respect the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people, by UN resolutions on the conflict. This position was clearly expressed by the Belgian authorities, which irritated Morocco, which was seeking Belgian support for its policy in Western Sahara.
The “convergence of views” between Belgium and Algeria, two countries respectful of international legality and UN resolutions, in favor of the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people, seems to annoy Morocco.
The Reality on the Ground
Despite Morocco’s attempts to present Western Sahara as an integral part of its territory, the international community, including the UN, recognizes the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. This conflict has persisted for too long, and the search for a definitive solution for the last colony in Africa is essential.
Moroccan “gesture” aimed at obtaining international support for the colonization of Western Sahara seems less and less effective. Belgium, by expressing its support for the right to self-determination, joins the ranks of countries that respect international legality and the rights of the Sahrawi people.
Belgium has become a new key player in the debate around Western Sahara, attracting the attention of the King of Morocco. This “convergence of views” between Belgium and Algeria in favor of the right to self-determination for the Sahrawi people shows that the Moroccan position no longer finds as much echo within the international community.
The debate over Western Sahara continues, and Belgium, alongside Algeria and other countries, plays an important role in finding a just and definitive solution to this decades-long conflict. International legality and the rights of the Sahrawi people remain at the heart of this complex issue, and it is essential to continue to defend them.
