Polisario Issues Repetitive Threats Against Africa Eco Race Route Through El Guerguerate
In a repeated and futile attempt to disrupt the 16th edition of the Africa Eco Race, the Polisario Front has issued fresh warnings against the rally’s passage through El Guerguerate, scheduled for December 29, 2024, to January 12, 2025. The separatist group, which claims the region as part of the self-declared Sahrawi Republic, declared the area a "war zone" and threatened unspecified consequences for participants crossing what they falsely label "Sahrawi territory."
The race organizers have planned five stages through Morocco’s southern provinces, including a route from Laayoune to Dakhla, with a rest day in Dakhla on January 5 before moving into Mauritanian territory. In its latest statement, the Polisario Front warned that participants would bear responsibility for any consequences resulting from their passage through the region, asserting the "legitimate right" of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi republic to defend its sovereignty.
The separatist group also expanded its threats, urging all countries and private sectors to refrain from activities in the area, while once again declaring the entire region a "war zone" due to what they describe as Morocco’s violation of the 2020 ceasefire. These warnings echo a similar statement issued in November 2023, which had little impact on the rally’s successful passage through El Guerguerate earlier that year.
This pattern of issuing empty threats goes back to 2022, when the separatist group targeted the race by declaring the area a war zone in violation of the ceasefire agreement. These actions have not hindered the rally’s progress, which has continued despite repeated intimidation.
The latest threats come amid heightened tensions and recent terrorist activity by the Polisario. On November 10, the separatist militia launched four projectiles targeting civilian celebrations of the Green March anniversary in Mahbes, southern Morocco. While the attack caused no casualties, it failed to disrupt local development efforts, with authorities moving forward with partnership agreements aimed at socio-economic progress in the region.
The Sahrawi NGOs Alliance condemned the attacks, labeling them a dangerous escalation that violated the 1991 ceasefire agreement. The alliance particularly criticized Algeria’s support for such provocations, noting the destabilizing impact on regional security. Despite these threats and actions, the organizers of the Africa Eco Race remain resolute in their commitment to the event's route, dismissing the separatist group’s warnings as ineffective.
The ongoing resistance to the Polisario's intimidation efforts reflects the rally’s determination to maintain its traditional course. Moreover, recent developments, including the capture of separatist militants receiving Iranian military training and potential shifts in U.S. leadership, could increase international pressure to designate the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization.
This steadfast approach underscores the rally’s resilience in the face of persistent threats and reflects a broader commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
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