Algerian officials have for decades indulged in statements claiming that they are not involved in the Sahara conflict. The crash of a plane bound-for the Polisairo-run Tindouf, killing 257 soldiers including Polisairo members, is a further evidence of Algiers military support to the separatist group. The very fact of the presence of Polisario members in an Algerian military aircraft is in itself a proof of Algeria’s involvement as a party in the Sahara conflict. Following the crash, Algerian authorities rushed to lead the international public opinion astray saying that the Polisario members who died in the tragic incident are “refugees” who received medical care in Algiers. Yet, they fell short of revealing the fulll list of passengers, which proves the presence of senior Polisario leaders.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 13, 2018 09:00 UTC