One week before the kick-off of the 2020 African Futsal Cup of Nations, protests are mounting in Algeria. In question: the decision of Morocco to organize it in Western Sahara, in the part of this disputed territory which it considers to be its own.
This futsal competition, a discipline related to football, is to be held from January 28 to February 7 in Laâyoune, the most important city in this desert territory, whose future has been pitting Morocco against the independence of the Polisario Front, allies of 'Alger.
Algeria attacks CAF
In line with Algiers' positions on the Western Sahara issue, the Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) asked the African Football Confederation (CAF) "to avoid any act or maneuver of political essence [...] contrary to the provisions of the Olympic Charter ", in a press release published on Sunday.
Because for Algiers, letting Rabat organize a championship in Laâyoune amounts to endorsing the position of Morocco, which considers Western Sahara as an integral part of its territory since the departure of the Spanish settlers.
The COA followed suit with the Algerian Football Federation (FAF). The latter recently lambasted, in a letter to the president of CAF, "this decision with political overtones", which "advocates division within the CAF family".
The FAF has indicated that it will not take part, if invited, in the festivities for the 63rd anniversary of CAF which are to take place in the wake of the CAN.
The Algerian National Committee for Solidarity with the Saharawi People directly attacked the president of CAF, the Madagascan Ahmad Ahmad, accused of "covering, if not being an accomplice of an outrageous politicization of sporting events". And an Algerian association for the promotion of female sport for its part "denounced the political instrumentalization of sport".
Boycott of South Africa
In accordance with Pretoria's position on Western Sahara, the South African Football Federation (SAFA) has decided to withdraw its team from the competition sponsored by the oil giant Total. A legacy of the Cold War watersheds, the African National Congress (ANC) supports the Polisario Front.
Western Sahara is still considered a "non-self-governing territory" by the United Nations in the absence of a final settlement. Discussions for a political settlement have stalled, despite a recent attempt to revive the UN.
This desert area located in the north of Mauritania is largely controlled by Morocco, which wants "autonomy under control" in this area. The Polisario Front is campaigning for independence and demands a referendum for self-determination.
With AFP
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