The recent incursions in the UN-monitored buffer zone in the Sahara territory by the Algerian-backed Polisario separatists triggered a firm response from Morocco, which declared that all options are now on the table including a military response. The Foreign Minister also showed journalists satellite pictures confirming the Polisario’s attempt to alter the buffer zone status of the area east of the Moroccan security wall. Moving permanent Polisairo military or civilian structures from South Western Algeria to the Sahara territory was described by Moroccan officials as a casus belli that will sap all UN efforts to find a political solution to the conflict. The King’s message was firm and uncompromising threatening to quell any attempt by the Polisario to occupy the area east of the berm. Morocco started building the wall during the guerrilla warfare with the Polisario, which broke out in the late 1970s in a cold war context.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 07, 2018 09:33 UTC