Mauritania kicks out Polisario member

The Mauritanian authorities last week expelled the Polisario representative in Mauritania, Hamotti Ould Rabani, the local press reported.

Ould Rabani, who is also in charge of the "Sahrawis living abroad" and member of the "Polisario's permanent committee," was driven out of the Mauritanian borders after having accused Mauritania of being "close to Morocco to the detriment of the Sahrawis."

The Polisario is an Algerian-backed guerilla that claims sovereignty over Morocco's southern provinces. The United Nations is trying to hold a self-determination referendum to determine the future of the territory.

According to the Mauritanian press, the positive evolution of Moroccan-Mauritanian relations "angered" the Polisario, which has been prey to severe feuds since its last congress end of last year.