"A hostile act likely to perpetuate the conflict and colonialism in Western Sahara". The Peace and Security Council of the African Union reiterates its position on the illegal exploitaiton of Western Sahara's natural resources.
Photo above: Kosmos Energy chartered a drillship for exploration offshore Western Sahara. Here, the ship is seen off Namibia, heading north on its way to Western Sahara in 2014.
On 11 February 2016, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), dedicated a session to the topic of natural resources and conflicts in Africa.
"Council condemned the illegal exploitation of natural resources of Western Sahara and considered it as a hostile act likely to perpetuate the conflict and colonialism in Western Sahara", is stated in the press statement about the session. "In this regard, Council reiterated the relevant decisions of the United Nations and the African Union, in particular decision Assembly /AU/Dec.583(XXV) adopted by the Assembly at its 25th Ordinary Session, urging the UN Security Council to fully assume its responsibilities, as well as effectively address the issues of the respect of human rights and the illegal exploitation of the Territory’s natural resources."
On 15 October 2015, the African Union published on its website a thorough legal opinion on the natural resource exploitation in the territory.
It should also be recalled that the Peace and Security Council of the AU on 27 March 2015 issued a statement that companies working in Western Sahara would not be welcome in other African Union member states.
Dirty green energy on occupied land
How can it be wrong to develop renewable energy, in a world that is in desperate need for a green transition? In Western Sahara, the problems are numerous.
Trump administration bankrolls ammonia project in occupied Western Sahara
The Trump administration has become the first US government to finance a private-sector project in occupied Western Sahara, awarding support to the controversial ORNX green ammonia venture.
Engie paves way for new farmland in occupied Western Sahara
Morocco has launched another tender to allocate more than 1,000 hectares of agricultural land in occupied Western Sahara, made cultivable through the French company Engie. The expansion comes as the EU considers increasing the unlawful trade with the territory.
European Parliament approves updated Morocco aviation agreement… without Western Sahara
The law is settled, but the practice is not. The recently adapted aviation deal excludes Western Sahara - yet the European Commission still tolerates EU airlines operating there regardless.