Equipe Media
Occupied Western Sahara
13/02/2024
Videos obtained by Equipe Media Tuesdat February 13th 2024 show that Moroccan authorities burned down cottages and dwellings belonging to Sahrawi families. These incidents occurred along the coast between El Aaiun and Boujdour, particularly impacting the areas of Bou Lma’aairdat and Aggti Baba Ali.
Local sources claim that the Moroccan Gendarmerie and auxiliary forces were involved in the destruction, leaving families displaced and facing harsh conditions. Equipe Media obtained videos documenting the aftermath of these operations, showing families forced to sleep outdoors amidst the ruins of their homes.
Bachrou Labbatt, a married father of four, described to Equipe Media how the authorities demolished their homes without warning or any form of compensation.
Mohamed Laghraid, another father of four, shared that they had visited the area for years to enjoy the beach with their family. However, the authorities demolished their dwellings, including a log cabin belonging to a Sahrawi with special needs.
Recent demolitions of dwellings in Western Sahara have sparked concerns among Sahrawi human rights activists. They fear the actions could be part of a broader initiative to restrict Sahrawi citizens and potentially acquire land for projects like wind energy development .
Moroccan occupying authorities justify the demolitions by citing concerns about illegal immigration. However, human rights groups point out the presence of military checkpoints every two kilometers along the Sahrawi coast, raising questions about the necessity and effectiveness of these measures.