Discontent in Tindouf as Brahim Ghali faces backlash over tribal appointments in Polisario leadership

In the Tindouf camps, tensions are mounting over the latest appointments made by Brahim Ghali to the leadership of the armed militias. Sahrawis are voicing their frustration through audio messages sent to Yabiladi. On social media, they are mobilizing for a protest sit-in set for Friday, March 27, outside an administrative office of the Front in the Aousserd camp.

The demonstrators are criticizing the tribal bias evident in the selection of new militia leaders. They caution that these appointments, seemingly favoring a single tribal faction, could jeopardize the overall «national project».

Last Saturday, Brahim Ghali elevated members of his own tribe, the Rguibates, to key positions within the Polisario militias, sidelining other tribes in the process.

Additionally, Bachir Mustapha Sayed, also from the Rguibates, is anticipated to assume the presidency of the «Sahrawi parliament».

Since the 1970s, the Polisario movement has been predominantly led by individuals from the Rguibates tribe, including figures like Mustapha El Ouali, the founder, Omar El Hadrami, and Bachir Edkhil. Leaders from other tribes have typically been relegated to less influential roles, whether in the civil or military sectors.