Stokholm (Sweden) 14 January 2025 (SPS)- Renowned young climate activist, Greta Thunberg, used her platform to shed light on the plight of the Saharawi people in a compelling Instagram post, following her recent visit to the Sahrawi refugee camp, sharing with her millions of followers, the intersection of the Saharawi struggle for self-determination and the global fight for social and climate justice.
Describing the refugee camps as home to a community that has endured 50 years of displacement under Moroccan military occupation, Thunberg considered that “the struggle for a liberated Western Sahara is everyone’s struggle,” emphasizing the patience and resilience of the Saharawi people as they await a fair referendum and recognition from the international community.
Thunberg criticized the global silence and betrayal that have compounded the challenges faced by the Saharawi people. She urged her audience to "educate yourself on this topic, spread awareness, and join Saharawi voices in demanding justice and accountability."
The post highlighted Morocco’s attempts to "greenwash" and "whitewash" its actions in Western Sahara, including the construction of “environmentally sustainable” projects on occupied land and the exploitation of natural resources without Saharawi consent. Thunberg characterized these activities as violations of international law and human rights.
“Decolonization is not a metaphor,” Thunberg declared, calling for an end to illegal settlements, land grabbing, and “green colonialism.” She stressed the need for liberation that ensures the rights to self-determination, freedom, and dignity for all, including the Saharawi people.
Thunberg’s focus on the climate dimension of the conflict highlights how environmental exploitation exacerbates the injustices faced by the Saharawi people. The extraction of natural resources, including phosphate and fisheries, has long been a contentious issue, with activists arguing that it sustains Morocco’s occupation.
Thunberg’s post has sparked widespread attention and discussion on social media, with supporters applauding the climate change activist for using her platform to amplify Saharawi voices. Activists and organizations advocating for Western Sahara’s independence expressed gratitude for her solidarity.
On another hand, Moroccan trolls attacked the Swedish activists criticizing her support to the Sahrawi people and disseminating falsehood and Moroccan propaganda about the conflict in Western Sahara.
Thunberg’s post concludes with a powerful reminder: “Silence is complicity.” Her message is a rallying cry for individuals and communities to stand in solidarity with the Saharawi people, joining their calls for justice and an end to decades of oppression.
The timing of her post aligns with growing international scrutiny of Morocco's actions in Western Sahara and a broader awakening to the connections between colonialism, climate justice, and human rights.
By leveraging her global influence, Thunberg has drawn renewed attention to one of the world’s longest-running conflicts of decolonisation, urging the international community to act decisively in support of Western Sahara’s liberation. (SPS)
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