une ONG condamne fermement des crimes de guerre et contre l’humanité

Summary on the Situation in Western Sahara

The Collectif des défenseurs sahraouis des droits humains (CODESA) has firmly condemned the ongoing actions of Morocco’s occupying forces, labeling them as "war crimes and crimes against humanity" committed against Sahrawi civilians and others through drone attacks.

On May 16, a drone strike targeted a vehicle carrying two Mauritanian civilians in the Kuerziz area, located east of the military separation wall in occupied Western Sahara. This attack resulted in the complete destruction of the vehicle and the unfortunate deaths of the two Mauritanian individuals, whose bodies were later transported to Zouerate, approximately 200 kilometers from the attack site.

CODESA’s committee for the protection of Sahrawi civilians has expressed grave concern over the increasing incidence of such crimes since Morocco resumed hostilities, breaking the ceasefire in November 2020. The committee stands in full solidarity with the families of all civilian victims affected by drone strikes and lethal munitions in the region.

In light of these ongoing aggressions, the committee has issued an urgent call to the United Nations, the African Union, and the International Committee of the Red Cross for immediate intervention. They demand an end to Morocco’s unlawful actions, protection for civilians, and a genuine process of decolonization in Western Sahara, aligning with UN charters and resolutions.

Mauritanian media have reported further incidences, including the recent drone-strike killing of two Mauritanian gold prospectors near their vehicle. Activist Ismail Yakoub Cheikh Sidia underscored that the victims posed no threat, condemning Morocco’s military’s escalating aggression against Mauritanian citizens.

The Mauritanian political party Union des Forces de Progrès (UFP) has also condemned these repeated assassinations of its citizens by Moroccan drones, demanding necessary measures be taken to prevent future incidents.

In summary, the situation in Western Sahara remains dire, with increasing violence against civilians and calls for international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis and support the decolonization process.