Moroccan civil society promotes end to conflict

Unrest in the desert Several Moroccan civil society organisations have called for an “expanded autonomy” initiative aimed at ending the conflict with Western Sahara. A range of organisations have announced a May 20 march in Laayoune promoting the 2007 initiative, following years of conflict and tension between the Moroccan government and the Algeria-backed Polisario group.
International Union for Supporting Self-Governance chairman Mohammad Socrates said: “The march will be a suitable response to the provocations of separatists inside [Western Sahara].”
“Our organisation wants to expose the silent conspiracy adopted by many, especially the Moroccan government,” he claimed.
Socrates blamed Algeria for attempts to destroy the peace process between the two states.
Polisario will also hold concurrent marches on May 20, the anniversary date of the Western Saharan separist movement’s birth.
Morocco and Western Sahara have clashed for control of the territory for decades.
A former Spanish colony, Morocco formally claimed the territory in 1957.