Ambassador Bendjama Reaffirms Sahrawi Self-Determination at UN
Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama firmly addressed what he termed "unacceptable" statements made by the Moroccan representative at the United Nations. During a session on decolonization, Ambassador Bendjama, Algeria's permanent representative, countered a discourse he described as "riddled with lies." He reaffirmed Algeria's consistent position regarding the Western Sahara issue. The Moroccan representative, Omar Hilale, had reportedly cited Algeria over 40 times without once mentioning "Western Sahara," a central topic on the agenda.
Ambassador Bendjama clarified that his own initial intervention had solely focused on the question of Western Sahara, without referencing Morocco or its internal politics. He characterized Western Sahara as "illegally occupied," with its people awaiting the full exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination. The Algerian diplomat underscored that the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination is "firmly enshrined in international law and UN resolutions," a consistent stance for Algeria. He challenged the Moroccan side on its reluctance to allow a referendum, suggesting that if its autonomy plan was truly viable, it should be presented for consultation.
Ambassador Bendjama declared Algeria's alignment with "justice, decolonization, freedom, self-determination, and human rights," specifically advocating for the Sahrawi cause. He also refuted accusations of "terrorism" sometimes directed at the Polisario, asserting that such claims are typical attempts by "hegemonic powers" to "demonize resistance fighters and freedom activists." Algeria, operating within the UN Charter and relevant resolutions, continues to assert that the Western Sahara question is fundamentally a decolonization process. The nation calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalating rhetoric, and engage in constructive dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations, ensuring debates remain centered on the Sahrawi people's right to determine their future.
