Morocco envoy calls Algeria's Sahara-Palestine comparison shameful
Omar Hilale accused Algiers of exploiting humanitarian arguments and restricting refugee rights in Tindouf camps.
Morocco's UN envoy Omar Hilale on Friday called Algeria's comparison of the Sahara dispute with the Palestinian cause "shameful" at the UN Security Council. Hilale accused Algiers of exploiting humanitarian arguments while restricting the rights of refugees in the Tindouf camps. He challenged Algeria's ambassador, questioning why Algiers intervened as an observer and not a directly concerned party.
Hilale defended Morocco's humanitarian engagement, asking who sent assistance and worked toward a peaceful solution, contrasting it with political speeches. He focused on the Tindouf camps, accusing Algeria of refusing to register residents despite UN requests, which he stated deprived them of protection. Hilale alleged Algeria transferred authority to the Polisario Front, restricted movement, and allowed children in military exercises.
The Moroccan diplomat called for residents to be allowed to return voluntarily to Morocco or travel elsewhere. He accused Algeria of making camp residents "hostages to an Algerian political agenda" and an armed separatist group linked to terrorism. This exchange followed Russia's veto of a US-drafted Sahara resolution that would have altered MINURSO's mandate.
Why it mattersMoroccan citizens and residents of the Tindouf camps are directly affected by the political dispute and accusations of human rights violations.