Sahrawi Republic urges “Africa Eco Race” to refrain from violating international law in illegally crossing Sahrawi territory

Bir Lehlou (Sahrawi Republic) 8 September 2022 (SPS)- The Government of the Sahrawi Republic, issued a Press Release Today, urging the organisers of “Africa Eco Race” to refrain from violating international law in complicity with Morocco, by crossing the Sahrawi territory as they announced.

“The organisers of “Africa Eco Race” have announced that their edition of this year, scheduled from 15 to 30 October 2022, will enter and cross the Occupied Territories of the Sahrawi Republic (SADR) in complicity with the occupying authorities of Morocco,” the text reads.

The whole territory of Western Sahara is a war zone since last 13 November 2020, and “consequently, the Government of the Sahrawi Republic once again launches an urgent call on all countries of the world and public and private sectors to refrain from any activity of any kind in the Sahrawi National Territory,” the Press release emphasised.

Following is the full text of the Press Release of which SPS received a copy:

“Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

Communiqué

The organisers of “Africa Eco Race” have announced that their edition of this year, scheduled from 15 to 30 October 2022, will enter and cross the Occupied Territories of the Sahrawi Republic (SADR) in complicity with the occupying authorities of Morocco.

As stated in its communiqué dated 18 November 2020, the Government of the Sahrawi Republic reaffirms that, because of the ongoing act of aggression carried out by the occupying state of Morocco on the Sahrawi National Territory since 13 November 2020, the entire Territory of the Sahrawi Republic, including its terrestrial, maritime and air spaces, remains a war zone where military confrontations between the Sahrawi People’s Liberation Army and the Moroccan occupying forces continue along the Moroccan wall of shame.

Consequently, the Government of the Sahrawi Republic once again launches an urgent call on all countries of the world and public and private sectors to refrain from any activity of any kind in the Sahrawi National Territory. In this regard, the Government of the Sahrawi Republic warns those responsible for “Africa Eco Race 2022”, the competitors, sponsors, and all participants and hold them accountable for the consequences that may result from their entering and crossing the Sahrawi National Territory.

The Sahrawi Republic reserves the right to use all legitimate means and to respond resolutely to any actions that aim to undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It holds the occupying state of Morocco fully responsible for the consequences that may result from its continued provocations that seriously undermine not only the prospects for relaunching the already stalled UN peace process but also peace and security of the entire region.

Bir Lehlou, 8 September 2022.” (SPS)