This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Heba Press-Youssef Adadad
The former Mauritanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, spoke a year ago on Radio France Internationale of the possibility for Mali to recognize the Moroccan Sahara. He explained that the former Malian president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, wanted this, but that geographical and historical considerations affected this position.
The influence of history and geography on relations between Mali and Morocco
Ould Abdallah said many Malians prefer to support Morocco on this issue because of the historical ties that unite the two countries, dating back to the days when trade caravans and voyages took place across the Moroccan desert. But he also stressed that the common border with Algeria constitutes an obstacle to taking a clear official position.
Political influences and financial trends
He added that many Malians, with the exception of a few inhabitants of the north linked to Algeria, believe that it is better to close this file, either by recognizing the Moroccan nature of the Sahara, or at least by abstaining from any activity calling this into question.
The Moroccan Sahara issue is experiencing growing international support, as global consensus strengthens on the fairness of the Moroccan position and the appreciation of the seriousness of the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom as a permanent and comprehensive solution to this artificial conflict.
Morocco
