expositions, diffusion de films et conférences au programme
Toulouse Hosts the "March for Freedom" to Advocate for Sahrawi Political Prisoners
The "March for Freedom," which commenced on March 30th, is currently making a stop in Toulouse, France, as advocates rally to demand the release of Sahrawi political prisoners. This event features exhibitions, film screenings, and conferences aimed at raising awareness about the plight of the Sahrawi people under Moroccan occupation.
The primary goal remains unchanged: calling for the liberation of Sahrawi political prisoners unfairly detained by Moroccan authorities, while simultaneously shedding light on the ongoing struggle of the Sahrawi people for recognition and rights. The movement received support through a demonstration in Toulouse organized by various unions and associations dedicated to advocating for the indigenous rights of the people of Western Sahara.
Prominent among the detainees are Abdallah Toubali, Mohamed Lakfir, Naâma Asfari, and Abdallahi Abahah, all of whom are Sahrawis held under dubious circumstances in Morocco. The march serves as a crucial platform to express solidarity with these individuals and to demand their release, drawing attention to the broader issues faced by the Sahrawi community.
Toulouse is one stop in a longer journey that began in Ivry-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris. Spearheaded by a collective of activists and advocacy groups, the march aims to traverse France and Spain before reaching Kénitra, Morocco. Activists emphasize that the march is not only about demanding freedom for political prisoners but also aims to mobilize various social, political, and cultural networks along its path. The objective is to strengthen Franco-Hispano-Sahrawi ties and advocate for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
In addition to calling for the release of the Sahrawi prisoners, participants urge the French government to cease its support for colonialist and imperialist policies that undermine the rights of indigenous peoples. Over the course of the two-month mobilization, participants hope to engage global attention on Moroccan actions that contravene United Nations resolutions regarding Sahrawi political prisoners and their rights.
One of the critical demands is related to Claude Mangin’s right to visit her husband, Naâma Asfari, a political prisoner from the “Gdeim Izik” group sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2013. This highlights issues of human rights and the necessity for international oversight regarding the treatment of political prisoners in Morocco.
During the march in Toulouse, participants traversed various boulevards and concluded with a rally that featured a massive flag representing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, measuring approximately ten meters long. This symbolic demonstration not only serves to demonstrate solidarity with political prisoners but also signals a broader struggle for justice and self-determination for the Sahrawi people.
The march will continue on its route, embodying a grassroots movement aimed at sustaining pressure on both Moroccan authorities and the French government. Advocates are hopeful that this series of actions will, at the very least, call attention to the plight of the Sahrawi people and encourage a reevaluation of current political stances—ultimately fostering a dialogue about peace, rights, and independence for Western Sahara.
This summary encapsulates the key elements of the content provided, highlighting the ongoing "March for Freedom," its purpose in advocating for Sahrawi political prisoners, and its significance for the struggle for Sahrawi self-determination.
