The “Forsatin” Forum, focused on the plight of refugees in the Tindouf camps, revealed an unprecedented wave of escapes by camp residents. Sahrawi families are fleeing en masse toward buffer zones and Mauritania, seeking to escape the harsh conditions in the camps run by the Polisario with Algerian support.
Desperate Attempts Blocked by Military Intervention
The Forum reported that dozens of vehicles lined up in recent days in an effort to flee. Many families were forced to sleep outdoors and sell their meager belongings to fund their journey. This situation worsened with the direct intervention of the Algerian army, which imposed strict checkpoints to prevent the exodus.
Calls for Help and Tight Restrictions
Sahrawi families appealed to the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) to protect them and ensure their right to movement. The camps are described as a large prison where leaving is nearly impossible without permits sold at exorbitant black-market prices.
Explosive Social Unrest
The Forum stated that these restrictions have fueled social unrest. Camp residents can no longer tolerate food insecurity and the lack of basic services. Algeria has also tightened its grip on the camps in recent months, driving many Sahrawis to attempt risky escapes.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
The Tindouf camps suffer from severe infrastructure deterioration and rely entirely on humanitarian aid, often mismanaged and corrupt. The Forum accused the Polisario, backed by Algeria, of deliberately imposing restrictions to keep the population in dire conditions.
Exodus as a Tacit Referendum
The mass exodus is seen as an implicit referendum by camp residents, who have taken their destiny into their own hands to seek a better life. Many families who reached Mauritania now aim to return to Morocco for safety and stability.
Failure of the Polisario Project
This large-scale displacement highlights the Polisario’s failure to provide a dignified life for the Sahrawis. It also reflects the growing acceptance of Morocco’s autonomy initiative as a realistic solution guaranteeing stability and development.
A Disappointing Agreement
Finally, the Forum reported that Algerian authorities requested the Polisario to quickly address the pressure on its border posts. An agreement was reached to increase daily travel permits to 200, along with larger vehicle loads and fuel allowances. However, Sahrawis expressed disappointment, hoping for true freedom of movement without humiliating restrictions.
In Pictures: Hundreds Attempt to Escape “Polisario’s Hell,” Algerian Army Intervenes to Stop Mass Exodus
