Saharawi refugees celebrate EU Court victory
Article image

At 11:45 today, Saharawi refugees are celebrating that the Court of Justice has ruled that EU cannot continue fishing offshore Western Sahara in partnership with the country that occupied their homeland. 
 

Published 27 February 2018

Today, the Court of Justice ruled that the EU cannot fish in the waters offshore the territory that Morocco holds under occupation. 

"The news is already spreading like wild fire among Saharawis in the occupied territories and in the diaspora. We are so glad to hear that the EU support to the occupation through such fisheries agreements has stopped", Jalihenna Mohamed told, of the Saharawi Campaign Against the Plunder (SCAP). 

"This represents a crucial victory for our people and leaves no chance for EU governments and companies to manipulate in order to exploit or invest in our territory. We call on the EU to support the UN peace process and stop paying Morocco to occupy our land through fish deals. No commercial activity in occupied Western Sahara shall be conducted before Saharawi people enjoy their legitimate right to self-determination and decolonize their land through democratic and free referendum", he told. 

Half the Saharawi people has been living as refugees in Algeria since 1975, when Morocco occupied the territory. As Spain permitted Morocco to annex the territory, the collapsing Franco regime signed a deal with Morocco so that Spanish fishing fleet could continue operating in the waters. In 1986, Spain became member of the EU, and since 1988, the EU has been paying Morocco so that mainly Spanish fleet could continue its practice. The Saharawis have always objected, saying that the EU is not allowed to violate international law. 

Videos and photos in this article can be used for free, please credit "SCAP". 
 

Download video
 

Download video. 
 

celebration2_27.02.2018_610.jpg
Download high resolution
celebration3_27.02.2018_609.jpg
Download high resolution
saharawi_celebration_27.02.2018_610.jpg
Download high resolution

Denmark refused to advise company in occupied Western Sahara

When the Danish renewable‑energy firm GreenGo Energy requested government guidance for its planned activities in Western Sahara, the Danish embassy declined.

11 July 2025

Emirati wind farm planned in occupied Western Sahara

 A company from the UAE is set to develop a new controversial wind farm in occupied Western Sahara later this year.

10 July 2025

Olvea admits activities in occupied Western Sahara

The French fish oil giant concedes presence in the occupied territory. 

09 July 2025

Australia finally finished phosphate imports

The last remaining importer of phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in Australia has announced that it will no longer purchase the conflict mineral.

08 July 2025