Sahrawi Ambassador: self-determination referendum or war

France is now in an embarrassing situation due to its positions and support to Morocco. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said it is about decolonization and a solution must be found in accordance with the international legitimacy. In an interview, Sahrawi Ambassador to Algiers Bechraya Hammoudi Beyoune explained political and military developments, saying the Polisario Front may use arms to face Morocco’s “arrogance.”

The UN Security Council extended MINURSO mandate. Is it a victory for you?

The decision is positive but it does not end the crisis. Morocco fabricated a crisis for the world as it expelled MINURSO. Yet, the point was to distract the world’s attention from the real crisis which is the occupation of Western Sahara. It opened a direct war with the UN. We will not be satisfied until the crisis is ended. We know that Morocco is a cheater and a liar. We think that the UN Security Council was stricter this time. 

Do you have fears of the next July’s UN Security Council resolution? Morocco may not respect it.

Morocco is perturbed because it relied on the US and Russia but they support the legitimacy. Now, it tries to reduce the shock. It mobilized people through marches and meetings at Parliament. I think that Morocco’s arrogance will be ended and the UN Security Council will not change its resolution.

The MINURSO mandate extension was supported by the US which is one of Morocco’s important allies. What did the US position change?

Morocco has not been able to defeat Sahrawi people for 40 years. The situation can not last for ever. The US realized that Morocco can not defeat us. Many tension spots exist in our region including Libya and Mali. If we do not get the right of self-determination and decolonization, we may wage a war again. A new war in the region will have a very negative impact. Americans, French and Russians know that. The entire world avoids a new war.  Morocco should understand that. Now, the world tells Morocco a solution should be found by giving Sahrawi people the right of self-determination. 

Sahrawi lands experienced big maneuvers in the last days. What are the messages the Polisario Front wanted to transmit?

The international community should restore the international legitimacy. Now, there are two solutions: a solution based on the international legitimacy by a referendum on self-determination or the war. We started preparations and mobilization on all levels. We will wait for what the UN Security Council will do after three months. We must be ready to face any possible development. We are ready for talks but we still have our arms.

Earlier in March, the Sahrawi Red Crescent said the situation is difficult and food rations may be used up. How is the situation now?

Morocco and its allies’ war is a hunger, political and media war. It was assisted by France to influence Europe to stop helping Sahrawi people. Each time, Algeria intervenes to save the situation.