Ecrainville, July 21, 2025 (SPS) – As it has every summer for several years, the town of Ecrainville (Normandy) welcomed a group of Sahrawi children as part of a solidarity program organized by the "Camion Citerne pour les réfugiés Sahraouis" (Tanker Truck for Sahrawi Refugees) Association.
A welcoming ceremony was held in their honor on Sunday. Among the attendees were Mr. René Paumelle, Deputy Mayor, representing Mayor Claire Gueroult of Ecrainville; several members of the organizing association, including its president, Ms. Nadine Lefrançois; host families; and Mr. Mohamed Ali Zerouali, Representative of the Polisario Front in France.
In his welcoming speech, Mr. Pierre Toutain warmly thanked the host families and volunteers for their dedication and commitment. He praised the continuity of this solidarity initiative despite challenges and reaffirmed the determination of all involved to keep the hope of the Sahrawi people alive.
Speaking on behalf of the municipality, Mr. René Paumelle reiterated Ecrainville’s support for the Sahrawi cause, emphasizing the importance of this humanitarian and engaged initiative. He also commended the remarkable work of the volunteers and host families, the backbone of this solidarity effort.
Mr. Mohamed Ali Zerouali, Representative of the Polisario Front in France, expressed the Sahrawi people’s deep gratitude to the Camion Citerne Association, its volunteers, and the host families. He stressed that hosting these children is far more than just a summer stay—it is an act of peace, resistance, and a message of hope for a people who have been in exile for nearly 50 years. He highlighted the significance of such gestures of solidarity, which have an immense impact in the peaceful struggle for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and independence.
He also called for maintaining the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between peoples, reminding everyone that these children are "little ambassadors" of their people, carrying a message of peace and dignity.
Upon their arrival, the Sahrawi children were greeted by a delegation including Ms. Christine Morel, Mayor of Harfleur; Ms. Evelyne Robillard, Deputy Mayor of Gainneville; and Ms. Sophie Hervé, Departmental Councilor. Next week, they will be received at the town hall of Saint-Jouin.
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