Algerian army blocks Sahrawis from exiting Tindouf Camps

The Algerian army refuses to grant permits to Sahrawis wishing to move from one camp to another or to go to Mauritania. These restrictions on free movement come as hundreds of Sahrawis have submitted requests to the Moroccan consulate in Nouadhibou to return to the kingdom.

To break this blockade imposed by the Algerian soldiers, hundreds of Sahrawis have been holding an open sit-in for two days in front of the main access gate. They are demanding the right to leave the Tindouf camps freely and without hindrance.

Audio messages, reviewed by Yabiladi, report the presence of 700 cars and trucks at this open sit-in. «Faced with this tragic situation, Sahrawi families have sent appeals to MINURSO, demanding their protection», says the Forum for Support of Tindouf Autonomists (FORSATIN).

As a reminder, dozens of Sahrawi traders held a sit-in on September 18 in front of the headquarters of the Polisario leadership in the Rabouni camp.

The Algerian authorities have reportedly finally given in to the pressure of the Sahrawis, fearing a snowball effect with even more protesters in front of the camp's access point. According to FORSATIN, the Polisario has proposed a relaxation of restrictions to the protesters: 200 daily exit permits instead of 120, an increase in the authorized vehicle load (700 kg), and the volume of transportable fuel (1,400 liters).