Polisario denounces French investment in the Sahara

The Polisario Front has finally commented on France's decision to invest and finance projects in the Sahara through the French Development Agency (AFD).

In a statement issued on Saturday, April 6, the Front condemned France's «provocative decision (...) which constitutes explicit support for the illegal Moroccan occupation (...) and a clear violation of international law and of France's international obligations as a permanent member of the Security Council».

Polisario denounced France's role as a «direct accomplice» in «crimes committed by the Moroccan occupying state against the Saharawi people since October 31, 1975». It concluded its statement by warning «all countries and public and private sectors» that settle in the Sahara «of the consequences that could ensue».

In August 2023, the Polisario Front estimated that foreign investment in the Sahara «will bring nothing to these companies. They will lose their investments and risk the lives of their workers».

On Thursday, April 4, in Casablanca, French Foreign Trade Minister Franck Riester reaffirmed his country's willingness to support Morocco's efforts to develop the Sahara. Riester announced that «Proparco, a subsidiary of the French Development Agency (AFD) dedicated to the private sector, could contribute to the financing of a high-voltage line between Dakhla and Casablanca».