Banjul (The Gambia),4 May 2025 (SPS) – In its statement in reaction to the report by the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa within the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights(ACHPR), the Sahrawi Republic called for the condemnation of the ongoing repression of freedom of expression and access to information, and for the protection of human rights in Western Sahara.
This came during the session dedicated to the discussion of reports of mechanisms and special procedures of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, held Sunday afternoon.
Ambassador Malainin Lakhal, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Sahrawi Republic to the African Union and its representative in this session, presented a series of what he described as systematic violations of the Sahrawi people's rights to freedom of expression and to information in the occupied territories of Western Sahara.
Below is the full text of the statement:
Speaker: Ambassador Malainin Mohamed, Deputy Permanent representative of the Sahrawi Republic to the AU
Oral Statement, Item 5: Reports Activity Reports of the Members of the Commission & Special Mechanisms (Report of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa)
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable Commissioners, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, all protocols observed:
The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, who happens to also be the Commissioner covering the Sahrawi Republic, and commends the attention she paid to these crucial freedoms. We also encourage her Excellency to undertake more interactive communication and interaction with Sahrawi civil society, human rights defenders and victims of violations, and we are ready to facilitate her task, should she require our assistance.
Meanwhile, the Sahrawi Republic expresses grave concern over the systematic suppression of freedom of expression and access to information in the occupied territories of Western Sahara. Despite international legal obligations, Moroccan colonial authorities continue to employ repressive measures to silence Sahrawi voices advocating for self-determination and human rights.
Human Rights Watch reports that Moroccan authorities have escalated harassment of activists, journalists, and human rights defenders, subjecting them to unfair trials and detentions. Laws criminalizing nonviolent speech, particularly those challenging Morocco's claim over Western Sahara, are routinely and systematically enforced to asphyxiate opposition.
The use of spyware against activists further exemplifies the extent of repression. Amnesty International's Security Lab found that Aminatou Haidar, a-multi human rights’ award-winning human rights defender, was targeted and infected by Pegasus spyware between 2018 and 2021.
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention determined that Sahrawi media activist Mohamed al-Bambary was arbitrarily detained by Moroccan authorities, violating his due process rights. The Working Group called for his immediate release and reparations.
Moroccan authorities have also misused laws to silence reporters. In 2019, Nezha Khalidi, affiliated with Equipe Media in El-Ayoun, was arrested for livestreaming a street scene and accused of not meeting the requirements to call herself a journalist. She faced up to two years in prison if convicted.
Amnesty International reports that authorities have restricted dissent and the right to peaceful assembly. In May 2023, police surveilled the house of activist Mahfouda Lefkir in Laayoune, beating visitors and verbally insulting her family. In September, law enforcement officers forcibly dispersed a peaceful protest in Laayoune, assaulting at least 23 Sahrawi protesters.
These actions constitute a clear violation of international human rights standards, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic urges the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to take decisive action to address these violations and ensure the protection of freedom of expression and access to information in Western Sahara.
We call upon the Commission to:
Condemn the ongoing suppression of freedom of expression and access to information in Western Sahara.
Urge Moroccan authorities to cease harassment and arbitrary detention of activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.
Advocate for independent investigations into allegations of abuse and surveillance against Sahrawi activists.
Support the establishment of a permanent mechanism to monitor human rights in Western Sahara.
The Sahrawi people remain steadfast in their pursuit of self-determination and justice. We appeal to the international community to stand in solidarity with our struggle and to uphold the principles of human and people’s rights and dignity for all without exclusion or exception.
I thanks you.
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