Unraveling the Orano-Moroccan Sahara
Buried within scholarly journals, travel narratives, and 19th-century bibliographies lies a forgotten phrase: the "Orano-Moroccan Sahara." At first glance, it may seem like a mere conjunction, but its significance is profound. This term emerged before borders became rigid, prior to the desert being delineated by railways, military posts, and colonial administrative divisions. The phrase encapsulates a historical period that reflects the intricate relationship between colonial powers and the territories they sought to control.
In colonial literature, the term "Sahara orano-marocain" is frequently mentioned across various documents. It is utilized to assert Moroccan sovereignty over regions such as Kenadsa, Béchar, and the valleys of Guir and Saoura, as well as to denote the southern extent of the railway originating from Oran. These geographical names represent clusters of oases, villages, and cities. Starting in 1902, these areas were classified as part of French Algeria, only to be transferred to Algeria upon its independence in 1962.
The Colonial Narrative and Territorial Claims
The term "Sahara orano-marocain" serves not only geographical, military, and logistical purposes but also acts as a territorial indicator. The adjective "orano-marocain" signifies, in the very language of colonial power, the existence of a space perceived by France as part of the Cherifian Empire. It also heralds the ambition and strategic interests of the French military, which viewed this region as a vital area to penetrate and conquer. Within the colonial discourse, the expression demonstrates a consistent acknowledgment of Moroccan influence in the region, hinting at a deeper historical context of territorial claims.
Notable figures like Lieutenant Élisabeth Jean Hyacinthe Dastugue and Edmond Doutté have employed this term in their works, illustrating a long-standing recognition of the Orano-Moroccan Sahara in geographical literature. Dastugue's writings from the late 19th century and Doutté's references to specific locales within the Orano-Moroccan Sahara further affirm the historical significance of this term in understanding territorial dynamics during colonial expansion. The consistent usage of this phrase in various contexts highlights a shared vocabulary that organizes knowledge and classifies territories, indicating that the Orano-Moroccan Sahara was not merely an isolated concept but a recognized entity within the colonial framework.
The 1845 Treaty of Lalla Maghnia further complicates the narrative, as it acknowledges tribal affiliations to Morocco while leaving the southern desert undefined. This ambiguity has allowed France to exploit the lack of clear boundaries to extend its colonial ambitions into both the Atlantic and eastern Sahara. The absence of delineation does not merely reflect historical realities; it also presents opportunities for future political maneuvers.
As contemporary discussions around borders continue, the historical implications of the term "Sahara orano-marocain" resonate strongly. Boualem Sansal's remarks on the colonial legacy, suggesting that western Algeria was once part of Morocco, encapsulate the enduring complexities surrounding territorial identities and historical narratives. The French archives unambiguously recognize Moroccan dependencies, reinforcing the idea that this region was once viewed as integral to Morocco rather than a distinct separation. Thus, the term serves as a symptom of the French perception and a testament to historical sovereignty.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
