Flights between Moroccan Sahara and International Capitals Anger Algeria

An Algerian political activist accuses unnamed international parties of "colluding" with Morocco over the Moroccan Sahara issue.

20th November 2024

2 minutes read

Flights between Moroccan Sahara and International Capitals Anger Algeria

The announcement by the Irish airline Ryanair regarding the organization of flights connecting the Moroccan Sahara to several European countries has sent shockwaves through Algeria. Through its official media, Algeria harshly criticized the Spanish company ENAIRE, responsible for managing air navigation between Morocco and the Sahara from the Canary Islands. This move has heightened Algeria’s concerns, especially as it confirms Morocco’s control over the airspace of its Sahara.

Algerian media sources close to the regime described this decision as a “blatant violation” of the recent ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which annulled the fisheries and agriculture agreements between the EU and Morocco. However, most European countries rejected this stance and reaffirmed their commitment to their strategic partnership with Rabat.

Many European nations support Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and endorse the autonomy proposal under Moroccan sovereignty as the only solution to the artificial conflict over the region. They also maintain close relations and diverse partnerships with Rabat.

The website Assahifa reported that “Algeria has mobilized certain pro-Algerian European politicians, particularly French-Algerian political activist Salim Djellab, to raise the issue of authorizing international air routes linking the Moroccan Sahara to various global airports.” Djellab announced that he had initiated legal proceedings against ENAIRE.

Algerian media relayed a post by Djellab on the X platform, accusing some international parties of “colluding” with Morocco on the Moroccan Sahara issue.

This week, Ryanair, one of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines, announced the launch of new routes linking airports in the Moroccan Sahara to several international destinations. This initiative aims to foster economic and social growth in the region.

Morocco has asserted control over the airspace of its Sahara since reclaiming it from Spain, following Spain’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the region and its support for the autonomy proposal to resolve this artificial dispute.

Over the past two years, Madrid has held negotiations with Rabat regarding the management of the Moroccan Sahara‘s airspace. The announcement of these flights aligns with the terms of the joint declaration adopted during discussions between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Rabat last February.

The news agency Europa Press highlighted that “the Spanish government confirmed it has held at least two meetings with Morocco regarding the management of the Sahara airspace in the last two years.” This statement was in response to a question from Cristina Valido, a parliamentary representative of the Canary Coalition party in the Spanish Parliament.

The establishment of flights between cities in the Moroccan Sahara and international capitals is expected to significantly boost efforts to develop the region. It also serves as clear evidence that Morocco is closer than ever to resolving this issue. Meanwhile, the number of countries supporting Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara continues to grow, with several consulates and diplomatic offices expected to open in Dakhla and Laayoune in the near future.