Sahrawi peace vacations: Polisario under fire
A cultural exchange programme that brings Sahrawi children from the Tindouf refugee camps in Algeria to European countries has come under scrutiny, with critics alleging that the initiative is being used for political gain, reported the Morocco-friendly outlet The North Africa Post on 16th August.
The project, described as a “peace vacation” scheme, is presented by organisers as a chance for children from the camps to benefit from rest, medical care and cultural exchange in European host communities. Such initiatives have been running for years across Italy, Spain and the UK.
The outlet’s report states that Moroccan diaspora organisations in Italy are claiming that the programme is being misused to promote separatist narratives. The groups allege that children are being presented as “Sahrawi refugees” and mobilised to raise awareness and support for the Polisario Front, the movement seeking Western Sahara’s independence from Morocco.
In a joint statement relayed by Moroccan daily Al Ahdath Al Maghribia, the coalition of organisations described the scheme as a political manoeuvre designed to generate sympathy and secure political backing from European institutions. They also claim that the children come from camps where fundamental rights are restricted, including freedom of movement and access to employment.
The Tindouf camps, situated in south-western Algeria, are administered by the Polisario Front with Algerian support. Morocco and pro-Moroccan organisations have long accused Polisario of exploiting residents and limiting their civil freedoms.
Independent observers, including international NGOs, have also reported concerns over restrictions in the camps, though Polisario and Algeria deny systematic abuses and argue that the difficult humanitarian conditions in the camps result from the unresolved status of Western Sahara.
Some critics highlight the risk of political indoctrination, claiming that the programmes are used to familiarise children with European societies and may be leveraged for political or security purposes. A Spanish intelligence report released in July linked past participation in similar exchanges to individuals being later involved in extremist networks.
The African Organisation for Human Rights Monitoring has warned that children risk becoming “pawns in political games”. Sahrawi solidarity associations maintain that the exchanges provide essential humanitarian relief for children growing up in refugee camps in harsh desert conditions.
The programme highlights the challenges in separating child welfare from the ongoing political disputes between Morocco, Algeria and Polisario amid a protracted refugee crisis.
Al Ahdath Al Maghribia via The North Africa Post, HESPRESS, Maghrebi
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