Condemnation of Morocco's Use of Landmines in Western Sahara
In a poignant address during the commemorative event for International Mine Awareness Day, held annually on April 4th, Mr. Gheici Nah, the Operations Manager of the Sahrawi Office for Coordination of Mine-Related Activities (SAMACO), condemned Morocco's ongoing practice of saturating the Sahrawi territory with landmines and cluster munitions. This alarming situation has led to the tragic loss of countless civilian lives in the region. Mr. Nah revealed that the toll of mine-related incidents in Western Sahara has exceeded 6,000, encompassing fatalities, injuries, and individuals left with permanent disabilities.
Moreover, he highlighted that Morocco has intensified the contamination of the area by deploying various types of weapons and munitions, including drone bombings. Such actions pose significant threats to the safety of the Sahrawi population and undermine their right to live without fear of explosive remnants of war.
International Community Urged to Act
Mr. Nah also addressed Morocco's stance regarding the prohibition of anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions, urging the international community to exert pressure on Morocco to comply with the Ottawa and Oslo Conventions. This call to action is critical in the fight against the indiscriminate use of mines that devastate lives and hinder development efforts in the region.
The event facilitated collaboration among various NGOs, including SMACO, ASAVIM, and SMAWT, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and ensuring the protection of civilians. Additionally, Mr. Nah took the opportunity to honor and recognize the contributions of former combatants who participated in the demining efforts in Guelta Zemmur during the 1980s, acknowledging their vital role in making the land safer for future generations.
As reported by spsrasd.info.
