Algeria has criticized French Culture Minister Rachida Dati’s visit to the disputed Western Sahara, calling it “objectionable on multiple levels.” Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been under Moroccan control for several decades. However, the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region, has claimed to be the rightful ruler. Algeria’s foreign ministry accused France of disregarding “international legality” in a manner unbefitting of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. The UN’s stance is that Western Sahara is a non-self-governing body and it aims to organize a referendum on its future. However, Rabat has consistently blocked any such vote. Dati’s visit follows France’s shift toward fully endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan – a stance that has strained its ties with Algiers.
Source: LeMonde
