Abuja, Nov 18, 2013 (SPS) - The Nigerian newspaper "Nigerian Tribune" has condemned, in its today’s editorial under the title "Freedom for Western Sahara", Morocco’s continued repression and exploitation of the natural resources of the Saharawis people, calling on the African Union Member States to impose economic, military and diplomatic sanctions on Morocco.
"We join the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and other concerned organisations and individuals to condemn the continuous repression and exploitation of the peoples of Western Sahara," said the Nigerian newspaper, adding that the continuous exploitation of Western Sahara resources "must be viewed as a crime against humanity and must be stopped now."
"The continuous occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco is unacceptable in the 21st century," lamented the newspaper, asking all the AU relevant agencies to energise to hold Morocco to account for the brutalisation of the peoples of Western Sahara.
"No stone must be left unturned to prevent multinational companies from continually participating in the exploitation of the resources of Western Sahara," it added.
The editorial encouraged the Saharawis people "to press for their freedom through non-violent means, reminding Morocco that the right to self-determination is «an inalienable right and is non-negotiable."
"Decolonisation in Africa cannot be complete until Western Sahara is free," confirmed the newspaper, requesting Morocco to conduct "a referendum immediately to enable the peoples of Western Sahara decide whether they want to remain a province in Morocco or they want to establish an independent country."
Western Sahara, stated the newspaper, is currently recognised by the UN as a ‘non-self-governing territory’ entitled to self-determination, and with “sovereignty over natural wealth and resources.’’ adding that Morocco continues to exploit the resources in the territory hand in hand with severe repression of the peoples of Western Sahara.
It should be recalled that Nigerian Tribune, established 1949, is the oldest surviving private newspaper in Nigeria. (SPS)
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