The Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria, were the scene of large-scale demonstrations on Thursday, marking strong opposition to the draft resolution presented by the United States to the UN Security Council.

On the eve of a crucial vote at the United Nations, rallies were held to denounce the American text, perceived by the protesters as favoring the option of autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty .

Rejection of the project and request for a referendum

The core of the Sahrawi criticism is that the American resolution could rule out holding a referendum on self-determination , a principle which has been the central mission of MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) since 1991.

The participants' testimonies reflect a profound frustration:

1. One protester exclaimed, "This plan doesn't represent me. It's unfair. Who is Donald Trump to decide for the Sahrawi people?"
2. Another participant , speaking in Spanish, stated: "This is the voice of an entire people: the voice of resistance, of rejection of occupation, and of our desire to regain a free Sahara."

The position of the Polisario Front

The Polisario Front , supported by Algeria, believes that the draft resolution, tabled by the United States on October 22, gives marked preference to internal autonomy within the Kingdom of Morocco. The independence movement reaffirms its commitment to a referendum, which it describes as "non-negotiable."

However, the Polisario Front says it is ready to consider an autonomy plan only on the condition that it is validated by the same referendum.

Historical context and status of the territory

This tense situation arises following the US administration's 2020 decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara . This position, however, has not been endorsed by the UN , which maintains the territory on its list of non-self-governing territories awaiting decolonization .

The Tindouf camps, where Sahrawi refugees reside, were established in the Algerian desert following the events of the Green March of 1975 and the withdrawal of Spain from the region.