Algerian president renews country’s support for Western Sahara

In a congratulatory letter to Polisario’s leader Mohamed Abdelaziz on the occasion of his re-election as the group’s Secretary-General, Bouteflika said: “It is an occasion to reiterate Algeria’s unchanged position which supports liberation movements across the world.” Polisario is a rebel movement working to end Moroccan presence in the Western Sahara.

“It is also an opportunity to reaffirm Algeria’s resolute stand by the people of Western Sahara who have a deeply rooted friendship with the Algerian people,” the president added.

Bouteflika said: “I reiterate the Algerian government and people’s firm belief in the justice of your cause and our determination to continue to work to enable the Saharawi people enjoy all their rights endorsed by international bodies, particularly the legitimate right to self-determination.”

The Algerian position in Western Sahara is contrary to neighbouring Morocco which proposes having an autonomous region under Moroccan sovereignty.