RABAT — Moroccan authorities have condemned an act of vandalism targeting the Moroccan Consulate General in Orly, in France’s Val-de-Marne department, south of Paris, after five individuals allegedly damaged the building overnight from October 15 to 16.
French police arrested three of the five individuals, according to a statement issued by the consulate on Friday, October 16.
The consular mission condemned the incident “in the strongest terms,” saying numerous walls had been defaced with politically oriented messages attributed to individuals claiming affiliation with the Polisario Front.
The consulate described the incident as a “real attack” and a “serious violation” targeting a Moroccan representation in France, arguing that it contravened the international rules governing diplomatic and consular relations.
The incident has also triggered anger within the Moroccan community in France, according to the statement. The consulate said numerous Moroccan nationals had contacted the mission to reject what it described as unacceptable provocations and reaffirm their attachment to their country.
The statement also expressed concern over what it described as a growing number of positions and initiatives by some elected officials in Val-de-Marne regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue.
The consulate accused these officials of seeking to involve their local authorities in a politicized approach to the dispute, which it considers inconsistent with France’s official position and the applicable legal and regulatory framework.
The mission linked this activity to the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 on Western Sahara, which it said establishes Morocco’s autonomy plan as the basis for resolving the dispute.
The consulate further referred to France’s constitutional principles governing international relations and the General Code of Local Authorities, arguing that local authorities must respect France’s international commitments, the respective powers of the state and other local authorities, and the requirements governing their public responsibilities.
It called on elected officials to exercise restraint and responsibility when addressing sensitive issues, warning against political rhetoric that could fuel hostility and division within the population.
The statement added that freedom of public debate should not be used to normalize criminal acts or create an environment conducive to provocations against diplomatic representations of countries friendly to France.
The Moroccan consulate praised the swift response of French authorities, particularly the police services involved in the case, and expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation.
The investigation aims to identify all those involved, establish the exact circumstances of the incident and determine the appropriate legal proceedings, according to the statement.
The consulate also welcomed expressions of solidarity from other elected officials in the consular district and residents of Val-de-Marne.
In its closing remarks, the mission urged the Moroccan community in France to remain calm and act responsibly, warning against attempts to provoke tensions. It encouraged Moroccan nationals to uphold the values of respect, responsibility and friendship that underpin relations between Morocco and France.
