Moulay Hamdi Ould Errachid, president of Laayoune's municipal council, has called on Sahrawis living in Tindouf to return to Morocco and take part in the 2027 local and regional elections. He made the remarks on SNRT's television program "Noqta ila Satr," emphasizing the importance of their participation in managing local affairs in the country's southern provinces. Ould Errachid's comments come amid a new phase in the Western Sahara dispute.
Ould Errachid highlighted recent developments in the Western Sahara issue, citing growing international support for Morocco's position. He attributed this progress to Morocco's diplomatic efforts, investments, and development projects that have improved living conditions and strengthened residents' connection to their homeland. According to Ould Errachid, these efforts have created new opportunities for the region.
The Laayoune council chief stressed that international support for Morocco did not come without effort, pointing to the country's diplomatic gains in recent years. He encouraged Sahrawis to take pride in these developments and remain engaged in the country's political and social life. Ould Errachid also addressed the regional dispute, reaffirming that Morocco's territorial unity was not open to negotiation.
Ould Errachid described the positions of the Polisario Front and Algeria as difficult to change, adding that Morocco should continue its efforts to defend its position while maintaining its commitment to peace. He noted that the diplomatic gains achieved so far had yet to produce tangible changes in the daily lives of people in the southern provinces. Ould Errachid emphasized the importance of translating political progress into concrete benefits for local communities.
The council chief linked Laayoune's development to investments and infrastructure projects implemented in recent years, saying they have helped strengthen residents' attachment to their homeland. He described Laayoune as the "capital of the Sahara," arguing that its development reflects the importance Morocco attaches to the region. However, Ould Errachid acknowledged that some projects had not received sufficient investment.
Ould Errachid pointed to the economic potential of the wider region, including Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, saying its resources and development opportunities could help it play a greater role in Morocco's economy. He stressed the need for continued efforts to support young people, local businesses, and entrepreneurs in the region. This, he believes, will help unlock the region's potential.
Ould Errachid's remarks come amid a new phase in the Western Sahara dispute following the expiration of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) on October 31. The UN Security Council failed to adopt two competing draft resolutions on the mission's future, with Russia vetoing a US-backed proposal and a separate Russian draft failing to secure the required votes.
Key points
- Laayoune's municipal council president calls on Sahrawis in Tindouf to return to Morocco and participate in 2027 local and regional elections.
- Ould Errachid cites growing international support for Morocco's position in Western Sahara.
- The council chief emphasizes the need to translate political progress into concrete benefits for local communities.
