Russia has banned a Polisario delegation from taking part in the 2017 World Festival of Youth and Students, organized from the 14th to the 22nd of October in Sochi. A decision taken a few days after Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian Prime Minister visited the Kingdom.
South Africa is once again trying to assist the Polisario’s leadership. In August, the country showed support for the Front in a statement delivered before the South African Development Community countries, while in September it managed to mention the Western Sahara conflict during a BRICS’ conference. Yesterday and during the 5th ordinary session of the Pan-African Parliament, Pretoria imposed Brahim Ghali as a guest of honor.
The Polisario Front announced on Monday the arrest of 19 Moroccans for smuggling and drug trafficking. Through its media outlets, the separatist movement is trying to draw attention away from the drug trafficking war that broke off earlier this month between Brahim Ghali and Mohamed Lamine Ould El Bouhali‘s gangs.
Tindouf camps are now under the control of drug trafficking groups. Two gangs engaged in a gunfight on Wednesday and people were taken hostage.