Sahrawi Committee condemns violence and repression in the Occupied Territories of Western Sahara

Occupied El Aaiun, 12 January 2024 – The Saharawi movement of employees and workers, victims of arbitrary expulsions by the Moroccan state, raises its voice against the policy of revenge against Saharawi defenders and activists in the occupied territories of Western Sahara. The recent violent intervention against activists, such as Maryam Ayish, Aziziza Al-Hafez and Akah Moulouda, triggered an international condemnation, holding the Moroccan state responsible.

Text of the Declaration of the Saharawi Committee:

Occupied El Aaiun, 12 January 2024 –

1. In a continuing pattern of reprisals against Sahrawi human rights defenders and activists, the Moroccan authorities exercised force on Thursday 11 January, attacking a peaceful sit-in by three women activists. They were protesting a pay cut in reprisal for their support for the Sahrawi political prisoner Hamden Abaali Al-Mufarrej on 20 December last.
2. Not only did they simply cut the salaries of Maryam Ayaish Abdallah, Amiziza Al-Hafiz Bouila and Agah Malouda Khatri, but they also vigorously prevented their right to demonstrate against this policy of revenge. The Saharawi Committee of Employees and Workers Arbitrarily Expelled by the Moroccan State, denouncing this systematic policy, declares:
3. Solidarity and Condemnation: We express our solidarity with Maryam Ayaich Abdallah, Amiziza Hafiz Bouila and Agah Moulouda Khatri, condemning the violence to which they were subjected.
   Rejection of the Policy of Revenge: We condemn the persistent policy of revenge against Saharawi defenders and activists in areas occupied by the Moroccan state.
   Appeal to the International Community: We urge the international community to intervene and stop all forms of retaliation by the Moroccan state against Saharawis, by pressing to address expulsion proceedings and suspension of work.
4. Need for Empowerment: We stress the imperative need for the international community to assume its responsibilities by empowering the Saharawi people with their basic rights, especially the right to self-determination.

The international community must act immediately to stop this escalation of violence and repression in the occupied territories, guaranteeing the security and fundamental rights of the Saharawi people. The Saharawi Committee calls for global solidarity to put an end to this injustice.