In an interview with Equipe Media following the European Court of Justice’s landmark ruling on October 4, 2024, Dalil Lahcen, a member of the Saharawi Association for the Monitoring of Natural Resources, hailed the decision as a “historic day for the Sahrawi people.” The court’s ruling annulled all agreements between the European Union and Morocco that included the occupied territories of Western Sahara.
Lahcen emphasized the significance of the ruling for Sahrawi civil society, human rights defenders, and organizations like the Association for the Monitoring of Resources, which has been closely following the case for years. “We consider this ruling a precious victory that brings justice to the Sahrawi people,” he stated.
He expressed hope that the Moroccan occupation would heed the court’s clear and explicit ruling and end its occupation of Western Sahara, urging the country to respect internationally recognized borders. Additionally, Lahcen called on the European Union and European governments to immediately cease all activities in Western Sahara and comply with the court’s decision, specifically singling out France and Spain for their longstanding complicity with Morocco.
As the ruling was delivered, Lahcen also looked ahead to an anticipated decision from the UN Security Council, urging the United Nations to act decisively on the Western Sahara issue, which has languished for years. He highlighted the growing frustration among Sahrawis due to the UN’s inaction and slow response in addressing their quest for self-determination.
Lahcen concluded by calling on the United Nations and the Security Council to support the Sahrawi people’s inalienable right to freedom and independence, stating, “It is time for justice