Western Sahara
Profiting from the Occupation
The Occupation gives Morocco control over Saharawi resources. Western Sahara is rich in fish stocks and phosphates (used in fertilisers and other products), with possible oil deposits. The profits from Saharawi resources primarily benefit Morocco, particularly those politicians and generals who own much of the industry.
But they’re not the only ones. In March 2007, the European Union completed a Fisheries Agreement with Morocco, one of a series of deals sought with West African countries to compensate for over-fishing of Europe’s own waters. This agreement gives scope for European fishing in Moroccan and Saharawi waters.
The agreement exploits illegally held territory and allows European countries to profit from the misery of the Saharawi people, giving Morocco an additional cause to obstruct the United Nations process.
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