Equipe Media / El Aaiun, Occupied Western Sahara
16-05-2023
On the International Day of Living in Peace, Sahrawi activist Ahmed Salem Fahim, widely known as “El Bruto,” shares his perspective on the significance of peace and the challenges faced in achieving it. El Bruto, who spent 15 years in Moroccan secret jails for peacefully defending the right to independence for his people, has been an active participant in the peaceful resistance against the Moroccan occupiers since his release in 1991. In an exclusive video statement obtained by Equipe Media, El Bruto highlights the critical elements necessary for true and lasting peace.
For El Bruto, the International Day of Living in Peace represents more than mere symbolism; it serves as a reminder of the fundamental principles and actions required to establish peace. He emphasizes the need for these elements to be enforced by the United Nations, which, unfortunately, he perceives as lacking in justice and fairness. El Bruto asserts that the United Nations is influenced by five nations that prioritize their own interests, making it difficult to achieve genuine peace.
According to El Bruto, true peace can only be attained when the United Nations acts impartially, makes fair decisions, and upholds democratic values. He believes that such measures are essential for ensuring the achievement of peace and calls for a cessation of the production of weapons of mass destruction.
El Bruto stresses the importance of the United Nations’ role in maintaining peace by enforcing strict resolutions and imposing sanctions on rebellious nations. He argues that without these actions, peace remains elusive.
However, El Bruto expresses disappointment in the United Nations’ handling of resolutions concerning Palestine and the Israeli occupation. Despite numerous resolutions in favor of Palestine, the occupation persists, rendering the resolutions ineffective over the span of 70 years.
Additionally, El Bruto highlights the unresolved issue of Western Sahara, referencing United Nations resolutions that have yet to be implemented despite their clarity and was based on General Assembly resolution 1514. This situation underscores the challenges faced by the Sahrawi people in their pursuit of self-determination and sovereignty.
As the world commemorates the International Day of Living in Peace, activists like Ahmed Salem Fahim “El Bruto” continue to advocate for genuine peace that is rooted in justice, fairness, and the respect for the rights of oppressed nations. Their voices serve as a reminder that true peace requires more than just symbolic gestures but a commitment to addressing the root causes of conflicts and ensuring the fulfillment of the rights of all peoples.
