For several months, the world’s leading producer of phosphate has been dragged into a political and legal maelstrom. Indeed, it was shaken down for a cargo load of phosphate by a South African courthouse, at the behest of the Polisario Front which claims ownership on the merchandise. The separatist movement’s main argument : the phosphate in question comes from Western Sahara, a territory over which it claims sovereignty. However, Morocco doesn’t see it that way and intends to see things through. Sabers are rattling between Rabat and Pretoria. The OCP group, on its side, has slammed the door on the courthouse and now intends to defend its rights with every legal means. Otmane Bennani Smires, OCP Group General Counsel and Executive VP in charge of legal affairs.