The question of the Moroccan Western Sahara at the heart of Bernard LUGAN’s lecture

Bernard LUGAN, historian and author of several books and articles whose main focus is Africa.

Known as one of the most famous Africanist historians, Prof. Lugan was welcomed on Thursday, 9 May 2024 at Euromed University of Fes. As part of the Lecture Series initiated by Euromed University of Fes, UEMF’s special guest, Prof. Lugan, gave a lecture entitled: "Understanding the question of the Moroccan Western Sahara".

During this lecture, Prof. Achachi co-led the discussion by highlighting various issues addressing the topic of the Moroccan territory known as Western Sahara. Professor Lugan explained the leitmotif justifying the choice of this contentious title by referring to geography and the political reality, reiterating the statement by Allal El Fassi who once declared that the Sahara has always been Moroccan.

Furthermore, Mr. Lugan highlighted the masterstroke by His Late Majesty Hassan II through the Green March in 1975; a major event that transformed the situation. Moreover, Morocco has continuously defended its territorial integrity at the international level through the Moroccan autonomy plan accompanied by royal speeches of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, always reflecting the noble symbol of the outstretched hand and an appeal to political pacifism. 

This meeting was also an opportunity for Mr. Lugan to sign his latest book "The Western Sahara in 10 Questions", a concise and informative synthesis on the political, historical and social stakes of this complex and contested region.

A constructive exchange took place during this lecture, allowing students and faculty researchers of the University to participate in an interdisciplinary debate on the various topics mentioned and many others related to current geopolitical issues.