Group and Friday prayers banned in the Tindouf camps due to «increase in suspected cases»

After it confirmed four coronavirus cases in the Tindouf camps, the Polisario Front announced this week a ban on group and Friday prayers.

In a statement, the Polisario’s «Ministry of Religious Affairs» indicated that this decision is driven by «the increase in suspected cases as well as data showing a new wave of contagion in the world».

The same source added that «Friday and group prayers will be limited to mosque staff», while «distancing and preventive measures will be applied during the practice of worship». The separatist movement is also suspending classes in mosques and Koranic schools.

Last week, the Front confirmed four coronavirus cases in the Tindouf camps. «All necessary measures have been taken to avoid the spread of the virus. We urge all citizens to comply with the preventive measures set by the committee, especially as infections are on the rise in the neighboring countries», wrote the same source.

For the record, the Polisario Front has taken advantage of the global health crisis to target Morocco. The separatist movement accused Morocco of «exporting coronavirus cases to the Sahara». The same source also «warned against the increase of cases in prisons where Sahrawi detainees are held», sending letters with the same claims to the UN Security Council.