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Rabat – Morocco’s government responded to the recent cyberattacks that targeted several Moroccan websites, including that of the Ministry of Economic Integration.
Spokesperson for the Moroccan government, Mustapha Baita, described the cyberattacks as “criminal,” noting that they came at a particularly suspicious time.
“This is a criminal act that, unfortunately, targets several countries and institutions. These cyberattacks are undoubtedly an attempt to undermine the Kingdom’s successive diplomatic breakthroughs regarding the national cause,” Baitas said.
Baitas further explained that the attacks were instigated by hostile forces and led to the leak of certain data related to Morocco’s National Social Security Fund (CNSS).
“These cyberattacks occurred on the very day the United States reaffirmed its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara,” Baitas added.
On Tuesday, the US stressed its unchanged position on Western Sahara, noting that the Autonomy Plan is the most feasible political position to end the dispute.
This came as a strong blow to Algeria’s regime, which continues to sponsor the Polisario Front and harbor the separatist group on its soil to undermine and challenge Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
The US recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in December 2020 under Donald Trump. After his departure, Algeria’s regime lobbied to convince former President Joe Biden to reverse Trump’s proclamation.
To its dismay, Biden’s administration upheld the decision, which had been reaffirmed by Trump’s administration earlier this week.
“This represents a great victory for our country and for the national cause,” Baitas said, noting that the US recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara is a “continuation of the historical position of the U.S administration regarding the national cause.”
Baitas also highlighted the growing international support for Morocco’s Sahara position, noting that this support “is clearly unsettling the enemies of our country, to the point that they resort to such hostile acts.”
The Moroccan government spokesperson also highlighted that some of the leaked documents published by the attackers were either fake or altered, affirming that the competent judicial authorities have been notified by the CNSS.
The leaks sparked a debate in Morocco, with many questioning the government in the wake of the cyberattacks.
The attacks took place on April 8 and were attributed to an Algerian hacking group, which claimed responsibility for the attack.
