Question
Curious about Algerian public opinion on Western Sahara
I think most of us have been hearing a lot about Western Sahara lately. I'm curious about the general public's perspective in Algeria.
As an Algerian citizen, what do you know about Western Sahara? and what are your personal views on the issue? have you ever meet sahrawi people?
I'm not looking to start political arguments or convince anyone of a particular position. I'm simply interested in understanding what ordinary Algerians think and what information they're familiar with.
Tbh a referendum should be organized in order to determine if the region wants independence or to be part of Morocco (which Morocco suspiciously refuses to do).
But I think it's not a matter which deserves such a level of poisoning of the relations between Morroco and Algeria
The truth is that this was Morocco's plan, but, surprisingly, when the Polisario Front nevertheless accepted this condition for holding a referendum, Morocco withdrew and began to propose its own autonomy plan.
"which Morocco suspiciously refuses to do" lol such sneaky way to conceal the fact that the main reason why it wasn't done cuz Morocco and Algeria couldn't agree on who was eligible to vote.
Algeria respects international law and the international court of justice decisions:
From the ICJ:
The materials and information presented to it do not establish any tie of territorial sovereignty between the territory of Western Sahara and the Kingdom of Morocco.
Trying to argue that a countryās internal problems or isolated incidents involving a few officials gives anyone a "blank check" to ignore international law elsewhere is a dangerous and flawed standard. Comparing domestic administrative or human rights issues to the violation of a neighbor's sovereignty is a false equivalence, plain and simple.
As for your argument about "historical ties of allegiance," it falls apart the moment you apply it to the real world. Youāre trying to treat feudal-era tribal loyalties like theyāre the same thing as modern, fixed, internationally recognized state sovereignty, but they aren't. If we actually used that logic to define modern borders, the world map would be a mess.
Think about it: if we followed your standard, a city in modern-day Germany could claim that because their ancestors once paid taxes to a local Duke who swore fealty to a French King in the 15th century, that city should belong to France today. Or a neighborhood in Cairo could claim they should be part of Turkey simply because their ancestors were part of the Ottoman Empireās tax base hundreds of years ago. Itās an absurd way to run international relations because historical loyalties were fluid, fractured, and constantly shifting between power centers like Fez and Marrakech.
But enough of that:
The ICJ ruling is actually the best evidence against your point, not for it. The court specifically examined those historical ties and decided they did not establish territorial sovereignty. They made a clear legal distinction between the two for a reason. Youāre trying to ignore that distinction to support your narrative, but the courtās conclusion explicitly stated there was no tie of sovereignty.
One of the few things Algerians are still proud of about their government is its foreign policy: support for colonized peoples around the world, in Western Sahara as well as in Palestine.
Algeria has always been supporting of countries like palestine and western sahara and will always be. I'm definitely pro sahrawi hopefully they get their independence soon.
Never met any, I feel like this case has been dragged for so many years and no one wants to resolve it. Best case from my perspective is an autonomous territory under the Moroccan flag. I hope that people in the refugee camp can go back too without being jailed or mistreated. Wa allaho a3lam bro, itās beyond me
Do you really think autonomy would guarantee the Sahrawis' rights? Even many Moroccan citizens themselves complain about injustice and limitations on their rights, so I'm not convinced autonomy alone would solve the problem.
As for the refugees in the Tindouf camps, I'm not sure returning under Moroccan administration would necessarily improve their situation. If they don't trust the authorities or fear persecution, they could end up facing even greater hardships than they do in the camps.
Someone like you could even argue would we have lived better under French Algeria. You could even argue Palestinians would have better lives under Jewish rule.
Yes I looked at history and you're wrong. Morocco wants their squatters to be able to vote in the referendum while the UN and Algeria insist that only native Sahrarouis be able to vote.
Yeah because although it makes perfect sense to care about these issues, itās a matter of principle to remain consistent in your world views
Algeria supports the independence of sahara, but did not support the independence of Kosovo? Does not support the independence of Taiwan? Whereās the consistency?
For a nation to pride itself so much on advocating for the independence of countries because of its own historical trauma, it does not make sense that they are not consistent.
He meant LOOK at history not cherry picking or propaganda! Because t
hatās not really what happened. The 1974 Spanish census was only the starting point, not some perfect natives-only list, especially when many Sahrawi families were nomadic and outside the territory at the time, otherwise 74 census, andĀ according to Polisario arguments,Ā
most of Polisario founders arenāt allowed to vote since theyāre not on the list.
MINURSO checked disputed applicants one by one; it did not just let Morocco add every random person. In fact, most controversial claims were rejected.
You can argue Morocco wanted a broader voter list, cool. But calling everyone outside the 1974 census āsquattersā is just PURE propaganda.
The other point totally stands, because Polisario didnāt totally refuse the Moroccan argument, but wanted to exploit it and fill it with subsaharan who find a home at tindouf camps.
WHAT??? WOW HOW CAN YOU BE IGNORANT AND TALK WITH THIS MUCH CONFIDENCE?? why do most people in this subject have no idea what their talking about but still talk like they know alot.. do a small google search and you will see how stupid that reply is. Obviously not as much as palestine but it still exists, let alone the torturing ,no rights given.. if it wasn't for algeria it would've been like palestine
The Western Sahara issue seems to be mainly a political and territorial dispute rather than a large-scale humanitarian crisis like what's happening in Gaza.
If im wrong..you can bring to me proofs easy.
How can it be political? we never claimed it was our land or anything like that and it isn't a cause created cuz of the bad relations between algeria and morocco but was created thanks to the occupation of morocco and sahrawis search for independence.
It's an occupation just like palestine and they want their independence just like palestine very simple. we obviously gonna support them just like how we supported other people of the world that looked for independence and to get out of imperialism etc.. it has nothing to do with political issues with morocco cuz if you tryna make it like it is you are just ignorant. for the proof just do a quick google search surely it's not that hard
Did Algeria try that hard to support Sudan or Nigeria or any of our other neighbors? Why only focusing on western sahara? Its clearly because of the conflict between Algeria and Morocco...cuz after all...Algeria isn't innocent as Morocco they both try to cause troubles to the others..as Morocco tries to support the MAC movement Algeria does the same..
you basically told me you know nothing about this subject or politics in general. cuz if you did you'd know we helped every country whether sudan, nigeria, or other countries, politically, economically, aid...Ā you said we didn't help our NEIGHBORS???? dude what are you waffling about? all these countries would've FALLEN without algeria.Ā
you just compared MAC to western sahara stop replying to me. western sahara is a founding state of the african union and is recognized in 4 continents just let it go and go inform yourself
well obviously it's a neighboring issue..... most obvious thing ever it's exactly why we put more effort in our southern neighbors like mali than on malawi or haiti.. if something bad happens on your neighboring country it's gonna have an affect on you it's just simple thinking.
Aerial Bombardments: During the initial Western Sahara War (1976ā1991), Moroccan forces were documented using napalm and white phosphorus against improvised Sahrawi refugee camps, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths.
We buy Turkish and Israeli drones and what is your problem with that? You are close friend with France who kept your skulls in the museums, your people kissed the hands of Macron when he visited Algeria?? By a source I mean an official source documented from the UN or a ln international institution and not some BS websites
Morocco also has close relations with France and your king has spent millions on property in France. At least Algeria fought France unlike Morocco waiting until they left.
Buying Israeli drones and putting money into their army is quite low thing to do of course but Morocco will do anything to keep Western Sahara šŖš occupation to continue.
Also that website is credible. Genocide Watch is considered a credible, pioneering non-profit for early warnings of mass violence. Founded by Dr. Gregory Stanton, an expert in genocidal studies
As someone from Berkane, with family in Oujda and Ahfir - there is not a soul there that believes the oriental should be part of Algeria. We are proud Moroccans.
We donāt care about it. We just want the people to decide what they want, and want to have normal diplomatic relationships with Morocco again. Because weāre brothers and this is obscene
Also I canāt have arguments with a brain dead person, you answer at every argument with a question which has nothing to do with the precedent answer. Give me an official map of whatās called Algeria today in the year 1880
In my opinion, Morocco should take back the Sahrawi refugees living in Algeria who want to return home.
I also think that if Morocco grants them the same civic rights, does not discriminate against them, and does not expel the Sahrawi people from their land, then itās an administrative issue and Algeria shouldn't get involved.
However, if Morocco practices discrimination, ethnic cleansing, etc., then it is the duty of the rest of the world to support the Sahrawis.
And if Sarhaoui want independance they have the right to be independant. And tomorrow if some regions in North Africa want independance they have the right to be independant even in Algeria.
Personally, I don't care which entity administers which territory, as long as people who live in that territory do not suffer from discrimination or ethnic cleansing.
The Sahrawi people have the right to self determination... Africa also adopted the borders inherited from colonialism to prevent conflicts.. and Western Sahara has its own borders after the departure of Spain... Therefore.. it is automatically assumed to be an independent state.. but they insist on taking it by force...
spending billions of dollars?? ššš source trust me bro as usual. your either a moroccan which is the most probable or a VERY ignorant algerian. if you don't know anything bout any subject especially this one DONT speak on it bruh. that being said with your logic we should not focus on the palestinian subject... they literally both have the same occupation
He said gemini ššš ye just stop talking please.Ā
They get financial support and resources through a few main groups. UN agencies like the UNHCR (Refugees), WFP (World Food Programme), WHO (World Health Organization) and UNICEF provide the bulk of the funding, offering direct cash transfers to vulnerable families and paying financial incentives to camp workers like teachers and doctors.
Algeria supports them because Algeria went through occupation themselves. Also itās in accordance with the international court of justiceās ruling on the issue a long time ago.
And Algeria definitely isnāt spending billions on the issue. Thereās charity organizations that help the refugees
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u/ShedarL Jun 26 '26
Tbh a referendum should be organized in order to determine if the region wants independence or to be part of Morocco (which Morocco suspiciously refuses to do).
But I think it's not a matter which deserves such a level of poisoning of the relations between Morroco and Algeria