Polisario opposition gathers in Tindouf calling for leadership change and extraordinary congress

Yesterday, the Tindouf camps witnessed a gathering of dissidents challenging the current policies of the Polisario leadership. Lacking an official permit to assemble in a public area, the group relocated away from the camps to convene under a tent.

During this meeting, they reiterated their call for an extraordinary congress to be held as soon as possible to "realign the movement." This demand was previously made in a petition launched on May 10, marking the 52nd anniversary of the Polisario's founding.

Six months following this initiative, UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which underscores the prominence of Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, has bolstered the stance of these opponents. They are demanding the removal of the old guard, whom they blame for the Front's diplomatic and military setbacks.

Some participants also called for a rejuvenation of the leadership, a demand met with resistance from the Polisario's senior ranks. The tent meeting attracted significant attention on social media among Sahrawis in the diaspora. However, it proceeded without the presence of Bachir Mustapha Sayed, a key opponent of Brahim Ghali, despite his official role as an advisor to him.