Algerian State TV Attacks Green March Participants with “Shameful” Slurs (Video)
Algerian State TV Sparks Outrage with Derogatory Remarks Against Green March Participants
Keywords: Algeria, Morocco, Green March, Western Sahara, diplomatic relations, media bias, freedom of speech, Oualid Kebir, international law, African Union
A recent broadcast on Algerian state television has ignited controversy and drawn sharp criticism for its derogatory portrayal of morocco-higher-education-enrollment-statistics/” title=”Morocco Expands Access to Higher Education, Increases Seats in Limited-Admission Universities”>participants in the Green March. The report, which aired on November 8, 2024, described those who took part in the 1975 event as “hungry,” “barefoot,” and “mercenaries.” This inflammatory language has sparked outrage among journalists and intellectuals in Algeria, who are calling for public condemnation of the broadcast and a reaffirmation of the importance of positive relations between the two nations.
The Green March, a pivotal event in Moroccan history, saw hundreds of thousands of unarmed Moroccan civilians march into the then-Spanish Sahara to assert Morocco’s claim to the territory. The event is viewed by Moroccans as a peaceful demonstration of national unity and self-determination. The Algerian government, however, has historically supported the Polisario Front, a separatist movement seeking independence for Western Sahara. This difference in perspective has contributed to ongoing tensions between Algeria and Morocco.
The offensive language used in the Algerian state TV report is not only disrespectful to the participants of the Green March but also undermines efforts to foster peaceful dialogue and cooperation in the region. Such rhetoric fuels existing animosity and hinders the search for a lasting resolution to the Western Sahara conflict. It also raises concerns about media freedom and responsible journalism in Algeria. Independent journalists and media outlets often face restrictions and censorship, making it difficult for diverse perspectives to be heard. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders have documented these challenges, highlighting the importance of protecting freedom of expression in the region. [Link to relevant Reporters Without Borders report if available]
Oualid Kebir, a prominent Algerian journalist and outspoken critic of the government, condemned the broadcast in a tweet, calling it a “grave insult to Morocco.” He urged action against the state television network, suggesting contacting the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) and the Islamic States Broadcasting Organization (ISBO), as well as pursuing legal action. Kebir argued that the Algerian regime’s actions risk escalating regional tensions and jeopardizing the relationship between the two neighboring countries. He called upon Algerian intellectuals and leaders to denounce the broadcast and uphold the image of Algeria on the international stage. His stance reflects a growing concern among some Algerians about the government’s approach to the Western Sahara issue and its impact on regional stability.
The incident underscores the fragile nature of relations between Algeria and Morocco. The two countries have a long history of shared culture and heritage, but political disputes, particularly over the Western Sahara, have strained their relationship. The closure of the land border between the two countries in 1994 further exacerbated tensions and limited people-to-people contact. While diplomatic efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict continue, incidents like this broadcast highlight the deep-seated mistrust and the need for greater understanding and respect between the two nations. [Link to relevant article on Algeria-Morocco relations]
The international community, including the African Union and the United Nations, has repeatedly called for a peaceful and negotiated settlement to the Western Sahara dispute. The recent broadcast on Algerian state television serves as a reminder of the challenges that remain in achieving a lasting resolution and the importance of promoting responsible and respectful dialogue between all parties involved.
