West Saharan Conflict Escalates: UN Resolution Disregarded by Morocco

=====================================================

The Western Sahara conflict has reignited, with hostilities between Morocco and the Polisario Front continuing for over three decades. The dispute has led to trade agreements being challenged in court, citing UN resolutions, the Principle of Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources, and the Principle of Self-Determination of Peoples.

EU-Morocco Deals in Question

The European Union (EU) has several trade agreements with Morocco, but these deals are under scrutiny due to their scope not being limited to Morocco’s territory. The European Court of Justice has issued judgments on two cases: the EU-Morocco Agriculture Agreement and the Fisheries Agreement. Both rulings concluded that any agreement involving Western Sahara’s resources must obtain the consent of the people of the territory.

Business Risks Increase

The conflict poses significant risks for companies operating in or trading with Western Sahara. The Polisario Front has attacked trade agreements, accusing Morocco of colonization crimes. Six major European companies were recently denounced by the Polisario Front before French courts.

Supply-Chain and Compliance Issues

The ongoing conflict creates uncertainties about doing business in Western Sahara. Companies involved in large-scale green-energy projects, such as Siemens and Enel, are at risk of reputational damage. The vacuum left by anarchy could be exploited by organized crime, traffickers, and terror groups.

Sanctions Risks

Given the moral uncertainty surrounding trade agreements in the region, there is a risk of sanctions being imposed. Fifty-three Norwegian NGOs have called on their government to act on the matter at the UN Security Council.

Reliable Information for Complex Decisions

Companies need sound information to navigate the complex threats posed by the Western Sahara conflict. Adverse media screening services and due diligence reports can provide robust defense measures against regulatory violations and reputational issues.

About the Author

As a researcher for Dow Jones Risk & Compliance, I, Davide Contini, am well-versed in assessing risk using negative news from reputable sources. My expertise lies in Italian, French, Spanish, and English-language research, with a focus on North and Francophone Africa. I have served as a board member of the Brussels-based NGO Western Sahara Resource Watch since 2018.

Sources

1. Note du MAE pour la Direction des affaires économiques et financières, 3 février 1969 Paris, AN 19899566/65.
2. Baroudi, A. (1979) Le complot «saharien» contre l’armée et le peuple marocains (première partie). Les Temps Modernes. 394. (5). Pp.1805-1842.
3. Vermeren, P. (2010) Histoire du Maroc depuis l’indépendance. 3ème Ed. Paris : La Découverte.
4. Barbier, M. (1982) Le conflit du Sahara Occidental. Paris : L’Harmattan.

Contact

Davide Contini Researcher, Dow Jones Risk & Compliance [Email] [Phone]