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There has been ongoing tension in Western Sahara following military manoeuvres in the former demilitarised zone of Guerguerat. The pro-independence Polisario Front who represent the Saharawi people, claim a 29 year-long ceasefire agreement was broken when Moroccan forces deployed troops and tanks to the UN-patrolled border zone in the disputed territory. In a statement issued today, Polisario says the Moroccan operation was a premeditated attempt to prevent latest efforts by the UN to discuss their demands. The Saharawi people, many of whom live in refugee camps in Tindouf in Algeria as well as within Morocco, have long called for a referendum on self-determination. There are fears that the tension could lead to open conflict. Focus on Africa's Bola Mosuro has been talking to to Lotfi Bouchaara, Morocco's Ambassador to Moscow. (Photo: Moroccan ambassador in Moscow Lotfi Bouchaara. Credit: Moroccan Foreign Affairs Ministry)
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