Staffan de Mistura poursuit sa visite dans les camps de réfugiés sahraouis
Title: Visit of UN Envoy Staffan de Mistura to Sahrawi Refugee Camps: A Focus on Self-determination Rights and Humanitarian Concerns
On Saturday, Staffan de Mistura, the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Western Sahara, continued his visit to the Sahrawi refugee camps, where he was received by the Sahrawi President, Brahim Ghali, and held discussions with various Sahrawi officials. This visit forms part of de Mistura’s ongoing efforts to address the long-standing situation in Western Sahara, a region marked by conflict and unresolved questions about self-determination.
The schedule for de Mistura’s visit included political discussions with members of the National Leadership of the Polisario Front, who advocate for the rights of the Sahrawi people, as well as visits to several institutions within the camps. He also engaged with Sahrawi women, highlighting initiatives aimed at empowering women and addressing their specific needs amidst the refugee plight. Sidi Mohamed Omar, the Polisario Front’s representative to the United Nations, emphasized the importance of these engagements in bringing international attention to the situation of Sahrawis.
De Mistura’s engagement with officials included a meeting on Friday with Mustafa Mohamed Ali Sidi El-Bachir, a key member of the Polisario National Secretariat and the Minister for Occupied Territories and Diaspora. This meeting, attended by Omar, revolved around critical issues affecting the Sahrawi people. They focused on the right to self-determination, one of the pressing challenges confronting the United Nations today. The situation of Sahrawi detainees in Moroccan custody was another major topic, underlining the ongoing calls for their release and the need for international intervention.
The Sahrawi people have long been advocating for self-determination through a referendum, which has yet to take place despite international recognition of their right to decide their political future. The unresolved conflict dates back to Spain’s withdrawal from the territory in 1975, subsequent annexation by Morocco, and the rise of the Polisario Front that proclaimed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
Ongoing tensions have resulted in a humanitarian crisis, affecting thousands of Sahrawi refugees residing in camps in Algeria. These population centers have become a focal point for international humanitarian efforts, with organizations striving to provide essential support, including food, healthcare, and education. However, sustained political attention and resolution of the underlying conflict remain essential for meaningful progress.
De Mistura’s meetings are significant as they aim to reinforce the call for the right to self-determination and highlight the dire human rights situation faced by the Sahrawis. The international community, particularly the United Nations, has been urged to play a more proactive role in addressing these issues, as the humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate amidst political stagnation.
As the day of de Mistura’s visit concluded, he was expected to hold official discussions with President Brahim Ghali. These conversations are expected to focus on the current state of negotiations and the way forward for the Sahrawi cause. The involvement of the UN Envoy is essential in reviving international interest and commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara conflict.
In summary, Staffan de Mistura’s continued engagement with the Sahrawi leadership and communities highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts toward finding a resolution to the longstanding issues surrounding self-determination and human rights for the Sahrawi people. As the visit unfolded, the focus remained not just on political dialogue, but also on the humanitarian challenges that continue to impact thousands of refugees living in the camps, relying on international support and advocacy to bring attention to their plight.
