Occupied Western Sahara possesses one of the world’s largest phosphate deposits and arguably the coastline in Africa with the richest fishing grounds. In addition, it is thought that there are considerable reserves of oil and gas along the coast. The valuable natural resources have always been a major driving force behind Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara.
Morocco’s illegal endeavours have received solid backing from international commerce. It is very problematic, ethically, politically as well as legally, when commercial interests cooperate with Moroccan authorities in order to do business in the occupied territories. The companies involved, often claim that their contribution is intended to provide a positive economic development in Morocco. However, this is distorted truth. Most importantly, Western Sahara is not a part of Morocco. The “development” is therefore an active contribution in support of Morocco’s illegal claim to the neighbouring country.
A number of international companies are today political actors that reap profits from the conflict. While Morocco finances the occupation by usurping the country’s resources, most of the Sahrawis are forced to live in refugee camps in the Algerian desert, in poverty and excluded from any benefits resulting from the profitable commercial activities in their homeland.
Companies active in Western Sahara generate employment for illegal Moroccan settlers in the fishing industry, both through direct investment, and by exporting fishing products to other countries.
This type of activity undermines the wishes and interests of the majority of the Sahrawi population, and is therefore also in violation of international law. A large number of UN resolutions and international conventions define such activity as illegal.
Morocco, looking for new ventures in addition to fish, phosphate and oil/gas, is now investigating other minerals in the occupied territory, such as diamond-like zirconium, and uranium.
WESTERN SAHARA CAMPAIGN UK
The Western Sahara Campaign works in solidarity with the Saharawi people to generate political support in order to advance their right to self-determination and to promote their human rights.
Our role is to lobby the UK Government and the EU. You can help us to ensure the UK does not ignore the voice of the Saharawi people.
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