Dozens of Saharawis demonstrated in Smara, occupied Western Sahara, against marginalisation in their wealthy homeland. Several are said to be injured.
The Moroccan government is managing the natural resources in Western Sahara as if the territory were Moroccan. It is not. No state in the world, nor the UN, recognise the Moroccan sovereignty claims over the territory.
The people of the territory has the right to self-determination over their own land, and the right to, themselves, choose how their resources should be managed.
In Smara, occupied Western Sahara, a demonstration took place on 14 April 2016 calling for that right to be respected, and for the Saharawi people's right to work. One banner reads "Sahara is a rich land, but Saharawis are poor people". Another underlined how the Saharawis are not benefiting from the EUs partnerships with Morocco in the occupied territory.
A 09:23 minute long video has also been made from the demonstration. Download that video here. 03:00 A Saharawi is holding a poster "Sahara phosphate for Saharawis..."
One of the persons who took part in the demonstration told WSRW that the demonstration culminated by police chasing the demonstrators down the side streets of the main avenue.
"Security forces intervened violently. As a result of this, there were many injuries", WSRW was told.
WSRW were given the names of 24 people who were allegedly injured, but has not sought to verify the veracity of the injuries.
Download the images for high resolution versions.
SRI update
The following overview enlists stock-exchange registered companies with current or recent operations in occupied Western Sahara. Updated 9 March 2025.
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