In an interview with RT International broadcasted live last April 10, 2025, Ambassador Malainin Lakhal, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Sahrawi Republic to the African Union, offered thoughtful reflections on the evolving international stance toward the Western Sahara conflict.

Responding to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s reiteration of support for Moroccan sovereignty over the territory, Ambassador Lakhal expressed concern over what he described as a departure from the United States’ traditionally neutral role.

He underscored that Western Sahara remains a recognized issue of decolonization under international law and that its resolution must be guided by the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, as outlined in United Nations resolutions. The ambassador cautioned that positions perceived as partial could undermine prospects for a peaceful and lasting solution in the region.

Ambassador Lakhal also addressed the broader geopolitical context, including the Trump administration’s decision to link the recognition of Moroccan claims to normalization agreements with Israel.

He reiterated that bilateral relations between countries should not be conflated with the status of Western Sahara, which is subject to international legal frameworks. Highlighting the region’s rich natural resources, he emphasized the importance of ensuring fair and lawful management that respects the rights of the Sahrawi people.

Ambassador Lakhal concluded by affirming the Sahrawi Republic’s commitment to peace, multilateral dialogue, and a rules-based international order—while expressing hope that global partners, including the United States, would support a just and internationally recognized path forward that respects the Sahrawi people’s right to freedom and self-determination.

Watch the full Interview below: