Two years of conflict in Western Sahara have intensified concerns over civilian safety as reports emerge of heavy casualties and long-standing political imprisonment. Saharawi organizations and representatives of the government-in-exile say at least 19 civilians have fallen to actions tied to Moroccan security forces, while 43 others are reported jailed for political reasons. These figures reflect ongoing tensions and the broader struggle of Saharawi communities under occupation.
Across Moroccan detention facilities, Saharawi activists are held in places such as Bouizkarn, Ait Melloul, and Tfiet Baih Baih. A member of the Saharan Human Rights Defenders Collective (CODESA) describes these centers as places where families are separated, visitors are denied access, and detainees face constant pressure and humiliation. The account emphasizes that detention conditions are harsh and that Saharawi prisoners are effectively cut off from the outside world.
Jamaa, a representative cited by activists, notes that the reasons for imprisonment are often unclear or unfair. He mentions cases where individuals faced jail for celebrations linked to regional competitions or for maintaining a protest presence in public spaces. Some detainees reportedly initiated hunger strikes in response to what they describe as poor living conditions. There are alarming claims of severe sentences that leave families permanently unable to see their loved ones.
In another report, a mother of a detainee recounts that her child, imprisoned after expressing intent to protest, endured physical and psychological pressures. She describes a lack of response to the detainee’s legitimate demands and the use of coercive conditions that have drawn attention from human rights groups focused on Saharawi prisoners.
Scholars and activists explain that Moroccan prisons sometimes exhibit a two-tier system. One path follows standard procedures for Moroccan citizens serving sentences, while Saharawi detainees captured for political actions or expressions of self-determination face a different set of constraints. Accounts describe retaliatory beatings, dehumanizing treatment, and a daily routine that reflects entrenched abuse. The human rights movement calls for accountability and an end to segregation and mistreatment in these facilities.
Senator Carles Mulet has publicly criticized these injustices on multiple occasions, sending letters to government ministers and raising concerns in parliamentary sessions. He reports that responses have been elusive and that official statements have avoided direct engagement with the core issues. The Moroccan embassy in Madrid has declined to comment on the situation of the prisoners when queried by media outlets.
Polisario Front
Abdullah in Spain, the national delegate for the Polisario Front, has asserted that Rabat has conducted drone strikes resulting in civilian casualties since the suspension of the ceasefire in November 2020. He cites figures indicating both civilian and military losses and accuses Morocco of engaging in arms deals without accountability. The Polisario Front has also filed a criminal complaint concerning arms sales by various states to Morocco, framing these actions as a form of international hypocrisy by nations that supply weapons to the region.
The movement argues that the Spanish government should play a constructive role in conflict resolution and support the Saharawi people’s right to self-determination. It emphasizes that normalizing relations with Morocco should not come at the expense of decolonization and a just resolution for Western Sahara. Statements reported by media outlets highlight a call for a fair process and a clear path toward self-determination.
The Saharawi people insist on the principle of self-determination through a freely conducted referendum. They point to decades of UN involvement and the recognition by several states of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic as a foundation for decolonization. Historical disputes over sovereignty and territorial control are framed as issues that should be resolved through international law and peaceful negotiations. Some observers note that past decolonization processes were interrupted by internal or external pressures, and that the current status calls for renewed international focus and cooperation.
Analysts describe how the conflict has intersected with broader international concerns about adherence to the Geneva Conventions and principles of international law. Critics argue that official statements may minimize the severity of the ongoing conflict, while supporters contend that dialogue and pragmatic steps are necessary to advance stability. The Moroccan government has faced questions about its approach to conflict management and the implications for Saharawi rights, with leaders in Madrid and other capitals weighing their options in a sensitive political environment.