The Sahara is “a major area where to fight against uncontrolled immigration, against jihadist groups to which the Polisario is close, and against all forms of trafficking and criminality prevailing in the Sahel-Saharan zone,” he underscores. “That France finally recognizes the sovereignty of Morocco in the Sahara: it is its duty and its immediate interest”, says the French essayist for whom the Sahara issue “could not be completely reduced to the sharp tensions between Algeria and its neighbor, the kingdom of Morocco”. “This region of the world is essential for Europeans and Africa, in particular because of its proximity to the Sahel where the jihadists have established themselves”. While “Algeria is increasing its demonstrations of hostility: closing its airspace to Moroccan planes, naval patrols near Moroccan territorial waters, etc,” Europe remains silent, he laments. Commenting the decision of the European Union Court to annul two trade agreements between Rabat and Brussels, he wonders: “Is it acceptable for a judge, transnational moreover, to decide what foreign and trade policy we should be pursuing?”

Source: The North Africa Journal November 05, 2021 02:04 UTC