Intifada erupts in Western Sahara

In May 2005 clashes between Moroccan security forces and Saharawi demonstrators broke out in cities across Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara, following the violent break up of human rights and pro-independence demonstrations.

These events come after Saharawis living under Moroccan occupation have become increasingly open in their criticisms of Morocco’s 30-year repressive and illegal occupation of the Western Sahara. Exiled President of the Saharawi Republic, Mohamed Abdelaziz, has called on the UN Security Council to intervene in order to protect civilians in the Occupied Territories.

Demonstrations broke out on Tuesday (24 May) following the alleged mistreatment and transfer to Morocco of a Saharawi political prisoner, Mr Haddi Elkainan. Further demonstrations and repression, spreading across the Occupied Territories, gave way to Moroccan security forces attacking Saharawi neighbourhoods, cutting telephone and electricity cables, and conducting bloody raids on the homes of activists, according to Saharawi protestors. Afraid to go to hospital, emergency clinics were set up in the homes of sympathisers. Around 30 Saharawi are seriously injured, including children, and more have been arrested, one of whom claims to have been raped.

Hundreds of demonstrators were arrested after the Intifada, and 25 are currently facing serious criminal charges. They allege they have been tortured and ill-treated in custody. Meanwhile, political prisoners in Laayounne’s infamous Black Prison have initiated a hunger strike against their imprisonment and the harsh conditions they live in.

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• Take Action on Behalf of Political Prisoners. Click here: www.arso.org/aminatouacturg.htm
• Learn more about the Political Prisoners Campaign. Click here: www.arso.org/aminatoucamp.htm
• Political Prisoners Initiate Hunger Strike Read the prisoners' statement
• Polisario releases all Moroccan prisoners of war

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Articles and Further Information: Access more articles and information on the crisis in Western Sahara.

Africa's Last Colony: Find out more about the history of Western Sahara and act now to support the Saharawi in their fight for self-determination.

Profiting from the Occupation: The profits from Saharawi resources primarily benefit Morocco, particularly those politicians and generals who own much of the industry.

A State of Seige: Read about Morocco's repressive policies in occupied Western Sahara and send a postcard to the Moroccan embassy.

Make a donation: Read more about our appeal and how you can help the Saharawi.

Western Sahara Homepage: Find out more about the people of the Western Sahara and their struggle to return to their homeland.