A dispute between two tribes in the Errachidia province escalated into tensions that disrupted the burial ceremony of a woman, sparking widespread debate on social media. The crisis ended after local authorities intervened and mediated between the elders of the two tribes.
The Sahrawi tribes of Morocco, from the powerful Reguibat confederation to the Tekna and Ouled Dlim, are not merely a cultural heritage; they form the backbone of governance, social cohesion, and alliances in the southern provinces. Their influence extends beyond the local sphere: understanding these tribal dynamics sheds light on the strategies of the Moroccan state in the Sahara, as well as the regional and international stakes tied to the stability and sovereignty of this strategic territory.
Earlier this month, the Polisario sought the help of an Algerian general to end tensions between two influential tribes in the Tindouf camps. On Tuesday, Brahim Ghali announced that he appointed two «officials» from the Teknas tribe.
In February 2017, a retired Algerian general played the role of a mediator between Brahim Ghali and Ould El Bouhali. Two years later, another Algerian general is tasked with the same mission.
El Othmani’s government seems hardly concerned with the fate of the 19 Saharawis arrested by the Polisario militias, waiting to get enough information about their nationalities. On the other hand, the Polisario is rather doubtful. The Chioukh of the tribes believe that the arrest of these alleged smugglers was not a very smart move.