Deployment of armed forces in Western Sahara "deeply troubling"

Following the deployment of armed forces in recent weeks by both Morocco and the Polisario Front in the narrow Buffer Strip in southwestern Western Sahara: the UN is reported to have described the events as the first ceasefire violation since 1991.

In response to these recent developments in Western Sahara, Oxfam’s Associate Country Director in Algeria, Meryem Benbrahim, said: “Escalating tension in the Gureguerat region is deeply troubling, and the deployment of armed forces of both Morocco and the Polisario Front only exacerbates the already tenuous stability in the region.

"Oxfam is concerned about potential ceasefire violations, reports of which have circulated in the press. Oxfam joins the United Nations in its call to both parties to halt any action that could threaten the ceasefire process signed by Morocco and the Polisario Front in 1991.

"Oxfam urges the UN Security Council to have the courage to put an end to this crisis which has already lasted too long. The Sahrawi people have the right to live with dignity and self-determination.”