Sahrawi Prisoners Reaffirm Hunger Strike for Freedom

Sahrawi prisoners currently engaged in a hunger strike have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to their struggle for freedom and independence, honoring the pledge to martyrs. In a message addressed to the Sahrawi people, the detainees stated their dedication to pursuing freedom and independence, asserting that the support received in difficult circumstances acts as a balm for their wounds and that any initiative, however simple, propels them toward freedom and human dignity.

The nine Sahrawi civilian prisoners from the Gdeim Izik group, including human rights defender Naama Asfari, commenced an open-ended hunger strike on September 23 across several Moroccan prisons. Their demands include respect for their fundamental rights and the implementation of commitments previously made to them by the occupation authorities. The detainees emphasized that years of imprisonment are insignificant when compared to the suffering of a martyr's mother or a disappeared person, or to the moments of those abducted from Agdez and Makouna.

In response, Sahrawi diaspora associations and activists in France have escalated their solidarity initiatives with the political detainees of the Gdeim Izik group, who have been held in Moroccan prisons for over 15 years. These efforts, active in several French cities, include distributing publications to raise awareness of the detainees' situation and their demands. Citizens, associations, unions, and human rights organizations in France have been urged to express solidarity with this protest movement, showcasing the diaspora's dedication to advocating for the Sahrawi national cause and fostering engagement with French public opinion and civil society.