A Vision for the Future
Mustapha Bouh, a former senior member of the Polisario Front and Morocco’s ex-ambassador to several African nations, praised King Mohammed VI’s October 31 address and urged Sahrawis in Tindouf to embrace Morocco’s autonomy initiative. He emphasized that “self-determination no longer means dividing states or creating new entities.” Speaking at a national conference organized by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) in Rabat under the theme “The Historic UN Decision: Affirmation of Morocco’s Sovereignty Over the Sahara and International Support for the Autonomy Plan,” Bouh highlighted the strength and magnanimity of Morocco’s position.
“Forgiveness when in a position of strength is the mark of great leaders, and that is what His Majesty the King demonstrated,” Bouh said. “He extended a clear invitation to our brothers in Tindouf, saying: ‘Your home is here.’ I say to them, don’t miss the train, the future is under Moroccan sovereignty, not in the camps.”
The Significance of the UN Resolution
Bouh, who once held diplomatic posts in Angola and Cameroon, stated that the recent UN Security Council Resolution 2797 confirmed Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. He dismissed claims that the text contained weaknesses, arguing instead that it represented a turning point in international recognition of the autonomy plan.
“Those who think the resolution has gaps are only deceiving themselves,” he said. “The parts they call weaknesses are actually directed against Morocco’s opponents. The idea of a referendum is over, autonomy is the true expression of self-determination.”
The former diplomat described the UN resolution as a “great and historic decision” that arms Morocco with “clear international legitimacy.” He said it would serve as a “powerful diplomatic tool” against countries still backing the Polisario Front, adding that Morocco’s development in its southern provinces now “convinces both allies and skeptics.”
Reassessing the Polisario’s Role
Bouh argued that the Polisario’s continued membership in the African Union had become “illegitimate” since the UN reaffirmed the impossibility of creating a new state in the region. He predicted that the latest developments would “open the door to broader reconciliations,” noting that several dissident Polisario figures had already welcomed the Security Council decision.
He praised King Mohammed VI’s long-term strategy on the Sahara, saying it has combined diplomacy, reconciliation, and human development since his accession to the throne in 1999.
“The King’s approach began with investing in southern regions and freeing detainees, giving the cause a strong humanitarian and developmental dimension,” Bouh said.
Restoring Influence in Africa
Calling Morocco’s return to the African Union one of its “greatest victories,” Bouh said the move restored the Kingdom’s influence in continental affairs.
“We were absent for too long, and our opponents took advantage of that. But the King, with vision and determination, brought Morocco back with strength,” he said. “Sitting next to the Polisario in the AU doesn’t mean recognizing them, it’s a strategic move toward a higher goal.”
A New Era of Diplomacy
Bouh concluded that Morocco’s diplomatic triumph is now evident across Africa, pointing to “the silence of former critics” and the shift in stance of countries like Angola and Nigeria, where he once served.
“Today, no one in the African Union dares utter a single word against Morocco’s territorial integrity,” he said.