Moroccan Ambassador Presents Book on Sahara Dispute in Dakar
In a significant event marking the 27th anniversary of Throne Day, Hassan Naciri, Morocco’s ambassador to Senegal, hosted a presentation ceremony for his book titled, "The Moroccan Sahara: The Geopolitical Stakes of Morocco’s Major National Cause," on July 27 in Dakar. This work delves deeply into the multifaceted aspects of the Sahara issue, exploring its historical, legal, geopolitical, and security dimensions. The gathering attracted a diverse audience, including diplomats, scholars, and members of Senegalese civil society, highlighting the book's relevance and the ongoing discourse surrounding the Sahara conflict.
The ceremony featured a notable exchange between Mauritania’s ambassador to Senegal, Mohamed Ould Abdallah Ould Othmane, and Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, a former foreign minister of Senegal. Gadio’s remarks centered on the historical context of the Sahara dispute, suggesting that Morocco's historical borders extended to Senegal and that Mauritania was once part of the Moroccan sphere before its separation. These assertions prompted a swift rebuttal from the Mauritanian ambassador, who expressed concern that such views might not represent the sentiments of the broader Senegalese populace.
Historical Tensions and Diplomatic Responses
The Mauritanian diplomat underscored the significance of Mauritania’s historical struggles against colonial powers, specifically referencing battles fought in Saint-Louis in the early 1900s, which he argued extended into what is now Senegalese territory. He emphasized the importance of recognizing Mauritania as a neighboring country of considerable size and its role in maintaining stability in the Sahel region.
In light of the escalating tensions during the discussion, Ambassador Hassan Naciri intervened, advocating for calm and urging the importance of dialogue. He emphasized the necessity for cooperation and integration among regional countries to effectively tackle the various challenges faced by the African continent.
Following the event, Mauritanian media outlets were critical of their ambassador’s participation in the book launch, particularly given the title's alignment with Morocco's official stance on the Sahara dispute. This criticism stemmed from the delicate nature of the historical relationship between Morocco and Mauritania, where the latter asserts its own distinct identity and independence from Moroccan claims.
The topic remains contentious, especially in light of previous remarks made by the secretary-general of the Istiqlal Party in 2016, suggesting that Morocco's borders extended from Ceuta to the Senegal River, which reignited a diplomatic crisis between Rabat and Nouakchott. In response, Morocco's Foreign Ministry characterized those comments as "irresponsible," reaffirming the country’s respect for Mauritania’s sovereignty and recognized borders. Efforts to mend relations included a visit by Morocco’s head of government to Mauritania, aimed at restoring diplomatic harmony.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
