From the heart of Western Sahara, where the Sahrawi people struggle against systematic exploitation, the plundering of natural resources stands as a blatant crime against its indigenous population. The illegal exploitation of the region’s rich fisheries resources by Morocco highlights the continuation of colonial practices in defiance of international law and human rights.
Overexploitation of Saharan Waters
Western Sahara’s waters are among the richest in marine biodiversity, attracting global attention. However, the Moroccan state, often supported by European companies, engages in large-scale fishing operations, transferring the catch to Moroccan cities for export to international markets.
This systematic looting takes place in direct violation of rulings by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which has repeatedly emphasized that any exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources requires the consent of its people. Yet, Morocco blatantly disregards these rulings, benefitting from the complicity of international players.
Damning Statistics Against Moroccan Exploitation
- An estimated 91% of fishing activities under EU-Morocco agreements occur in Western Sahara’s waters.
- Morocco’s annual seafood exports exceed $2 billion, with a significant portion sourced from Saharan waters.
- The Sahrawi people receive no share of the revenues, which are funneled into Moroccan state coffers to sustain the occupation.
Environmental and Economic Devastation
Beyond economic exploitation, Saharan marine ecosystems face severe depletion due to overfishing. This poses risks to the region’s biodiversity and undermines the livelihoods of Sahrawis who rely on sustainable fishing.
The ECJ Rulings Ignored
Since 2016, the ECJ has issued multiple rulings affirming that Western Sahara is a distinct territory, separate from Morocco. The court emphasized that any agreements involving its resources must have the explicit consent of the Sahrawi people. Nevertheless, Morocco exploits loopholes, labeling Saharan exports as Moroccan products, violating international law.
Sahrawi Resistance: A Call for Justice
Sahrawis continue to fight for their right to self-determination and control over their resources. The Polisario Front, representing the Sahrawi people, tirelessly advocates for international recognition of their rights, demanding the cessation of illegal resource exploitation.
The looting of fisheries resources in Western Sahara is not merely a violation of international law but an affront to the dignity and rights of the Sahrawi people. The international community must take decisive action to end this exploitation, ensuring the Sahrawi people can reclaim their resources and determine their future.
