BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS, July 18, 2023-In a powerful video, Moroccan journalist Dounia Filali sheds light on the catastrophic failure of Makhzen diplomacy, revealing a web of confusion and deception within Moroccan official authorities. The recent events have exposed the authorities’ inability to refute international press reports, leaving the Moroccan people disillusioned and deceived by the regime’s fabricated achievements.
The foundations of Makhzen diplomacy were dealt a severe blow with the resounding statements made by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, as widely reported by both Spanish and international media outlets. In a bold move, Prime Minister Sanchez unequivocally expressed his unwavering support for the principles of international legitimacy in addressing the Sahara issue, effectively distancing himself from any association with the baseless and misleading assertions perpetuated by the Makhzen regime concerning the so-called “Moroccan Sahara.” This definitive stance not only exposed the fallacious nature of the Makhzen’s claims but also challenged its diplomatic maneuvering, setting a precedent for other nations to prioritize truth, justice, and international consensus over political expediency.
It is crucial to emphasize that Spain remains steadfast in its unwavering support for United Nations initiatives aimed at honoring the Sahrawi people’s inherent right to self-determination. Acknowledging its historical role as a former colonizer, Spain recognizes the importance of actively participating in the quest for a resolution that respects the rights of the Sahrawi population. However, any recent deviations in Spain’s perspective should be attributed solely to the personal standpoint of Prime Minister Sanchez, rather than an official modification of the country’s position. The purported “letter” disseminated by the Makhzen media, alleging Prime Minister Sanchez’s endorsement of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, should be disregarded entirely as it lacks any legal or binding authority over the Spanish government or state.
The calculated actions of the Makhzen regime’s media outlets in swiftly disseminating the so-called “Sanchez message” reek of a desperate bid to exert undue pressure and engage in insidious blackmail tactics, exploiting the recent turbulence caused by the shocking Pegasus spy program revelations.
This audacious move by the regime’s intelligence agencies, allegedly facilitated by the compromised phone of Sanchez, not only raises grave concerns about privacy breaches but also reveals a nefarious intent to acquire sensitive information for the purpose of manipulating and coercing Sanchez into altering his government’s unwavering stance on the Western Sahara issue. Such manipulative tactics underscore the lengths to which the Makhzen regime is willing to go to undermine the sovereignty and autonomy of nations, further solidifying the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the face of such audacious acts of political interference.
However, Prime Minister Sanchez found himself confronted by the Spanish people, whose hopes and expectations were firmly established during his electoral campaign. In the face of this, he could no longer yield to Makhzen’s relentless extortion tactics. The importance of his commitment to honesty and transparency became paramount in order to preserve the trust of the voters. Throughout the campaign, his opponent, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, relentlessly attacked him, drawing attention to the sudden and perplexing shift in Spain’s foreign policy stance concerning the Sahrawi issue. It is crucial to recognize that the Sahrawi issue is not one that can be subject to political bargaining between parties; it is a matter of fundamental principle that demands unwavering dedication.
The Makhzen regime has encountered yet another powerful setback as the European Court of Justice delivers a monumental blow. With the recent enforcement of a groundbreaking ruling on July 17, the fishing agreement between Morocco and the European Union has been significantly altered. The ruling explicitly states that the territorial waters of occupied Western Sahara are to be excluded from the agreement, thereby shaking the foundation of the regime’s control. As a result, a staggering number of 128 European fishing vessels are now obliged to adhere to the court’s decision, compelled to retreat to their respective ports. This ruling represents a pivotal moment, striking at the core of the Makhzen regime’s authority and affirming the growing international recognition of the sovereignty of Western Sahara.
The European Court of Justice ruling represents another setback for the Makhzen regime, further exposing its diplomatic failures. The decision aligns with international law, highlighting the illegitimacy of exploiting the natural resources of an occupied territory.
The recent revelations made by Dounia Filali have brought the failures and manipulations of Makhzen diplomacy to the forefront. The Moroccan people deserve transparency, honesty, and a government that prioritizes their interests over personal or partisan gains. The international community continues to emphasize the importance of upholding the principles of self-determination and international law in resolving the Western Sahara conflict.
