Chahid El Hafed (Sahrawi Refugee Camps) 25 July 2026 (SPS) – Gaithi Annah, Director of Operations at the Sahrawi Mine Action Coordination Office (SMACO), stated that the crimes committed in Western Sahara over the past five decades are directly linked to the continuation of the Moroccan occupation of the Territory. He stressed that the exploitation of natural resources takes place under a military presence that imposes a fait accompli, giving rise to legal responsibilities under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Gaithi made these remarks during a presentation delivered on Saturday at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Sahrawi Republic as part of the international Conference on the “Legal battle and the Sahrawi people's permanent sovereignty over their natural resources”. The event was organized by the Working Group on Natural Resources and Related Legal Issues.
In his presentation, Gaithi reviewed the most significant violations that have taken place in Western Sahara since the beginning of the Moroccan occupation in 1975.
The speaker explained that Western Sahara is among the world's most heavily contaminated territories with landmines and unexploded ordnance, following the emplacement of millions of mines during the years of armed conflict. He noted that these explosive remnants continue to claim civilian lives, cause permanent disabilities, and deprive local communities and nomadic herders of access to their land and freedom of movement.
He also referred to the bombing of civilians during the war using incendiary weapons, including white phosphorus and napalm, and highlighted the humanitarian consequences of the Moroccan military berm, which stretches for more than 2,700 kilometers.
According to Gaithi, the berm has divided land and families while turning vast areas into highly dangerous zones.
The Sahrawi expert further addressed developments following the collapse of the ceasefire in November 2020 after its violation by the Moroccan army of occupation.
He noted that the use of armed drones has resulted in attacks on civilians and civilian vehicles, raising serious concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
Gaithi further stressed that the exploitation of phosphate, fisheries, and other natural resources is carried out under the military protection imposed by the occupation. He recalled that the Court of Justice of the European Union has consistently affirmed in its judgments that Western Sahara is a separate and distinct territory from Morocco and that the consent of the Sahrawi people is required for any activity involving the exploitation of the Territory's natural resources.
He also raised the issue of the responsibility of States and companies that continue to supply Morocco with equipment and technologies that can be used for military purposes, as well as Spain's legal responsibilities toward the Territory.
He argued that the continued existence of the Moroccan military berm, which divides Western Sahara into two parts, constitutes an ongoing and visible war crime and crime against humanity.
Concluding his presentation, the Sahrawi expert called for urgent international action to protect civilians, clear landmines, provide justice for victims, end serious violations of international humanitarian law, and hold those responsible accountable. He further stressed the need to guarantee the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and permanent sovereignty over their natural resources as the only path toward a just and lasting peace in Western Sahara. (SPS)
090/500/60 (SPS)
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