AAP
Around one million Moroccans are protesting in Rabat over the vast mineral-rich contested Western Sahara territory.
Up to one million Moroccans have marched through their capital to protest the UN secretary-general’s remarks about the contested Western Sahara territory.
It was an unusually massive show of public anger for Morocco, and was encouraged by leading political parties.
Morocco considers the vast mineral-rich Western Sahara as its “southern provinces” and took offence when UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon used the word “occupation” after a visit this month to refugee camps for the region’s native Sahrawis in southern Algeria.
Protesters on Sunday packed the streets of Rabat after political parties, unions and non-governmental groups called for a national demonstration. Authorities claimed there were up to three million people taking part.
“The Sahara is ours,” some chanted.
Marchers waved Moroccan flags and a banner showing King Mohammed VI.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the UN was aware of the protests taking place in Morocco.
“While the Secretary-General acknowledges that there are differences of opinion on the Western Sahara issue, he continues to believe that, 40 years after, it is important to resolve this long-standing dispute and open the way to the return of the Sahrawi refugees to their homes.”
The UN has been trying for years to hold a referendum on independence for the territory, which was annexed by Morocco when Spain withdrew in 1975. Morocco proposes increased autonomy instead.
