Brussels – Hundreds of members of the Sahrawi diaspora in Europe staged a significant protest in Brussels today, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, denouncing the ongoing exploitation of natural resources in Western Sahara.
The demonstration, held in front of the European Commission headquarters, aimed to highlight what protesters described as the continued plundering of the Sahrawi people’s wealth under Moroccan occupation. The demonstrators voiced strong criticism of a recent agreement between Morocco and the European Commission, arguing that it circumvents rulings made by the European Court of Justice regarding the disputed territory.
Protesters are calling for strict adherence to international law and the immediate cessation of resource exploitation in the occupied territory of Western Sahara. They emphasized the need for the international community to uphold the rights of the Sahrawi people and ensure their self-determination.
“The European Union must respect international law and stop enabling the illegal exploitation of our resources,” stated a spokesperson for the protest organizers. “This agreement directly benefits the occupying power and undermines the Sahrawi people’s right to their own land and resources.”
The protest underscores the persistent tensions surrounding the status of Western Sahara and the ongoing dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region. The demonstrators vowed to continue their advocacy efforts until a just and lasting solution is reached, ensuring the Sahrawi people control their own destiny and resources.
The demonstration in Brussels reflects growing international concern over the exploitation of natural resources in conflict zones and occupied territories. Observers note that the European Union faces increasing pressure to align its trade and cooperation agreements with international legal standards and human rights principles.
