Laayoune, Western Sahara – Prominent Sahrawi human rights activist Aminatou Haidar has left Western Sahara following days of being prevented from traveling, a situation she attributes to intense international pressure. Haidar stated that the combined efforts of international human rights organizations and widespread solidarity campaigns by activists and human rights defenders were instrumental in securing her departure.
Haidar described the initial travel ban as arbitrary and discriminatory, imposed by Moroccan authorities. Reports indicate that she faced a series of obstacles at airports in Dakhla and Laayoune before finally being able to travel to Spain. This incident, according to observers, underscores a systematic policy of harassment and targeting of Sahrawi activists advocating for basic rights.
In a statement posted on social media, Haidar detailed the ordeal, including attempts to subject her to degrading searches. She believes these actions are part of a broader effort to silence Sahrawi voices demanding self-determination. Haidar emphasized that such practices constitute a blatant violation of human dignity and fundamental international human rights standards.
“The decision to prevent me from leaving the territory, despite possessing all the necessary legal documents, exposes the contradiction in the official Moroccan narrative,” Haidar asserted. She added that while Morocco promotes an image of respecting human rights, repressive policies against Sahrawis, particularly human rights activists, continue unabated. This incident has further fueled criticism of Morocco’s human rights record in the disputed territory.
The situation surrounding Haidar’s travel ban has drawn condemnation from international rights groups, who have called on Morocco to cease its restrictions on the freedom of movement for Sahrawi activists and to ensure respect for human rights in Western Sahara.
