"The illegal occupation of Western Sahara is legitimized by individuals and corporations who deal with Morocco for the natural resources of the territory", stated the a letter sent from Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic/Frente Polisario to Total's Chief Executive Officer, Christophe de Margerie, today 6 December 2012.
The letter asks Total to "refrain from any such activity without the approval of [the Saharawi] government", from WSRW understands.
The letter is sent the same day as Total's licence with the Moroccan state oil company ONHYM likely will terminate. Total signed an agreement most probably on 6 December 2011, and it is probable that it is lasting for exactly 12 months, meaning until today. Total's massive block was only been revealed last week.
"The conflict over Western Sahara is prolonged, and the Saharawi people denied their economic future, by exploration and development of our natural resources", stated the letter to Mr. Margerie.
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.
Trial underway over firebombing of WSRW partner in Denmark
A trial has begun in Copenhagen against four men accused of carrying out the January 2025 arson attack on the offices of WSRW partner Global Aktion.
Heidelberg Materials deepens its role in Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara
The German company confirms once again that its operations in occupied Western Sahara are closely tied to Morocco’s infrastructure expansion in the territory - while continuing to dismiss the Saharawi people’s right to consent.