The Western Sahara oil curse
Article image
Big oil’s interest in occupied Western Sahara has taken a dramatic turn for the worse. Some companies are now drilling, in complete disregard of international law and the Saharawi people’s rights. Here’s what you need to know.
Published 06 November 2015


Read all about it
The companies
The lies
Take action
It is unseen: a country is carrying out a large-scale oil exploration programme outside of its national borders. When that happened last time, under Indonesia’s occupation of East Timor, the activities were widely condemned and universally acknowledged as illegal.

Yet, this is precisely what Morocco is doing now in Western Sahara. But this time, the entire international community looks away.

Western Sahara is often called the last colony of Africa, and the UN treats it as such; as a Non-Self Governing Territory without an administering power in place. The people of Western Sahara, the Saharawis, have an internationally recognised right to self-determination; the right to decide the future status of the land and its resources.

The Saharawis have time and again spoken out against the oil development in their occupied homeland. Their voices are ignored by Morocco, the international community and the oil companies that choose to side with Morocco, who all seem to put profit over people.

Read up on big oil in Western Sahara, and find out what you can do to help put an end this injustice.

SRI update

The following overview enlists stock-exchange registered companies with current or recent operations in occupied Western Sahara. Updated 29 November 2025.

29 November 2025

These are the MEPs who voted for ignoring the CJEU

187 Parliamentarians voted to ignore the ruling of the CJEU, the interests of EU farmers, the rights of the EU consumers and the aspirations of the Saharawi people. Here they are. 

27 November 2025

Parliament nearly blocks Morocco’s labelling grab

EU lawmakers today had a golden opportunity to stand up for European consumers. Backed by a solid majority, the Parliament came close to overturning the Commission.

26 November 2025

Farmers block Azura warehouse in France and launch legal action

Growing pressure on EU–Morocco trade deal as French farmers today launch legal steps and storm Azura’s entry point for Western Sahara produce in Perpignan. 

26 November 2025