As a Sahrawi activist and defender of my oppressed people, I am deeply concerned by reports suggesting that U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a plan to relocate Gaza’s population to Morocco. This plan, part of the so-called “Deal of the Century,” not only violates Palestinian rights but also blatantly exploits the suffering of the Sahrawi people as a pressure card to coerce the Moroccan regime into accepting this controversial scheme.
Exploitation of the Sahrawi Cause
Trump and his administration appear to view the Western Sahara conflict—Africa’s last colony—as a tool to push forward their political agenda. The Sahrawi people, who have endured decades of suffering under the oppressive Moroccan occupation, live in conditions of systemic abuse, repression, and human rights violations. Rather than advocating for a fair resolution to the Western Sahara conflict, the U.S. administration is using this unresolved issue as leverage to pressure the Moroccan regime into compliance with the plan to relocate Gaza’s population.
The Moroccan regime, which lacks legitimacy in the Western Sahara, now faces a difficult dilemma: reject the plan and risk U.S. and international pressure regarding the Western Sahara conflict, or accept the plan and face escalating domestic and regional complications.
Trump’s Policy Toward Western Sahara
It is clear that Trump’s administration views the Sahrawi issue as nothing more than a bargaining chip to advance its interests. Instead of supporting the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, the U.S. administration is manipulating their struggle for political gain. This approach reflects a blatant disregard for human rights and international law, prioritizing geopolitical and economic interests at the expense of oppressed peoples.
The Sahrawi People as Double Victims
The Sahrawi people, already enduring decades of suffering under Moroccan occupation and systemic deprivation, now find themselves at the heart of an international scheme designed to placate other parties at their expense. This double exploitation exacerbates the hardships faced by my people and places the future of our just cause in even greater jeopardy.
A Call to the International Community
I urge the international community and the United Nations to stand firmly against such schemes, which blatantly disregard the right of peoples to self-determination. The Sahrawi people are not a bargaining tool for anyone, and our cause is not for sale. We also call on human rights organizations to shed light on these violations affecting both Palestinians and Sahrawis alike.
Conclusion
As a Sahrawi activist, I affirm that the Western Sahara issue will remain a symbol of resilience in the face of oppression and colonialism. We will not accept the exploitation of our suffering as a pressure card in political deals, nor will we abandon our legitimate right to freedom and independence. Finally, let me say this: our people, who have endured decades of resistance against Moroccan occupation, will remain steadfast and proud, defending our cause through all legitimate means.
