Sahrawi NGOs condemn Polisario's attack on Al Mahbes, call for international action

A coalition of Sahrawi NGOs, including Africa Watch, Human Rights Defenders, and the International Network for Human Rights and Development (RIDHOD), has expressed deep concern over a projectile attack on the commune of Al Mahbès, allegedly carried out by forces affiliated with the Polisario Front.

While the attack did not result in any casualties, the NGOs condemned the escalation as a clear violation of the 1991 ceasefire agreement.

The Polisario Front, reportedly maneuvered behind the scenes by Algeria, launched the attack on Saturday, coinciding with Morocco’s national Green March festivities.

The assault involved four projectiles targeting civilians, a deliberate attempt to disrupt a peaceful gathering commemorating this historic event. This attack echoes similar incidents in Es-Smara in October 2023 and May 2024.

In response, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) quickly mobilized. Using a drone, FAR forces identified and neutralized the assailants, including Abdelaziz Ould Bariya, a senior officer in the Polisario’s 6th military region. Importantly, no civilian casualties were reported in the operation.

The NGO coalition labeled the attack a “serious violation of the ceasefire agreement” established under the United Nations’ auspices on May 14, 1991, and called it a “significant escalation” in the region. They argued that this act goes beyond a simple breach of the ceasefire and signals a clear intention by the Polisario to reignite hostilities along the border.

The coalition further emphasized that this violation is not an isolated incident but rather the direct consequence of continued political and military support from Algeria to the Polisario Front. Algeria’s ongoing assistance, both militarily and diplomatically, they argued, obstructs the United Nations’ efforts to find a political solution to the conflict and exacerbates regional instability.

The NGOs warned that such escalations increase the uncertainty in the region, further destabilizing the broader territory. They noted that Algeria’s persistent opposition to UN initiatives, particularly since Morocco submitted its autonomy plan in 2007, has intensified the current crisis and undermines the prospects for a peaceful resolution.

In light of these developments, the coalition urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly, to take decisive actions to halt the escalation and prevent further violations. They also called for Algeria to be held accountable for its role in supporting the Polisario’s military operations on its territory.

Finally, the NGOs addressed the issue of disinformation, accusing Algeria of spreading false narratives regarding the Sahara. They called on Algerian authorities to regulate media outlets and publications that promote misleading propaganda and disseminate inaccurate information about the situation in the region.