Moroccan Sahara: Russian Report Highlights Algeria’s Role and Questions Polisario Narrative Amid Morocco’s Diplomatic Momentum
The reality surrounding the Sahara issue is increasingly challenged by facts. In a sharply argued analysis, the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) points to what many observers have long claimed: behind a conflict described as artificially sustained, Algeria emerges as a central actor, using the Polisario Front as a tool to advance political and military agendas.
Moving away from the official narrative, the report challenges the idea of a purely bilateral conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front. It presents the dispute as primarily regional in nature, with significant involvement from the Algerian military establishment, which continues to support a separatist movement portrayed as weakened.
The Polisario is described in the report as highly dependent, lacking genuine political and financial autonomy, and relying heavily on Algerian backing. According to this analysis, it functions as an instrument shaped for geopolitical purposes, with implications for regional stability.
On the ground, the report notes that since the breakdown of the ceasefire in 2020, Polisario actions have been limited to isolated incidents without significant strategic impact. It highlights what it يرى as a gap between strong rhetoric and limited results in practice, pointing to signs of structural fragility within the movement.
Morocco’s Steady Diplomatic Approach
In contrast, the report underlines Morocco’s continued strategic approach to the issue. It emphasizes the consistency of Rabat’s position, centered on territorial integrity and supported by concrete developments on the ground.
Investment in the southern provinces, infrastructure projects and broader development efforts are presented as reinforcing Morocco’s presence and credibility at the international level. This approach is contrasted with what the report describes as stagnation on the opposing side.
Diplomatically, the report points to a shift in momentum. Morocco has secured growing international support, while the self-proclaimed “SADR” faces increasing isolation. The opening of consulates in the southern provinces and changes in international recognition patterns are cited as indicators of this trend.
The report also highlights the autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco in 2007, describing it as a serious and realistic basis for resolving the dispute, with expanding backing from parts of the international community.
Growing Pressure on Algeria
Overall, the analysis is presented as critical of Algeria’s position. By continuing what is described as an indirect confrontation strategy, the Algerian leadership appears, in the report’s view, increasingly isolated and unable to reverse a diplomatic dynamic largely favorable to Morocco.
The report suggests that time is working in Morocco’s favor, as it consolidates its position, while the Polisario faces declining credibility and growing marginalization.
More than just an analysis, the document reflects a broader geopolitical reading: one of a Morocco strengthening its position, while the dynamics of the conflict are becoming more openly scrutinized.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv
