In a critical update from Occupied El Aaiún (Sahrawi Republic) dated 29 September 2026, the Sahrawi Organ Against the Moroccan Occupation (ISACOM) has issued a grave warning regarding the worsening conditions faced by Sahrawi political prisoners detained in Moroccan facilities. The organization has called for immediate and effective intervention from the international community to safeguard the rights and ensure the safety of these individuals. This plea comes as nine political prisoners from the Gdeim Izik group have embarked on a hunger strike that commenced on 23 September, signaling a desperate response to their dire situation.
ISACOM’s statement, released on Tuesday, expresses deep concern and vigilance over the ongoing hunger strike, highlighting reports that confirm the deteriorating conditions for Sahrawi prisoners located in various detention centers throughout Morocco. The organization noted a significant rise in tensions within these prisons, which exacerbates the already precarious situation faced by the detainees. According to ISACOM, the Moroccan prison administration continues to employ systematic practices that restrict the rights of these prisoners, including denial of basic rights, ill-treatment, isolation, forced transfers, and medical neglect. Such measures are seen as direct violations of the prisoners' rights and adversely affect their relationships both within the prisons and with their families.
ISACOM has condemned these actions as part of a broader policy of retaliation and pressure against Sahrawi prisoners, denouncing what it describes as “aggressive and discriminatory” practices that undermine the rights and achievements the prisoners have earned over sixteen years through their steadfastness and commitment to dignity. The organization has pledged its “absolute and unconditional” solidarity with the Sahrawi prisoners, affirming its unwavering support for their struggles aimed at defending their rights and dignity.
In the context of this crisis, ISACOM has reiterated its support for the prisoners’ demands, which include the need for humane treatment and adherence to the Fourth Geneva Convention regarding the conditions of detention for civilians from occupied territories. The organization is also calling for the immediate release of these prisoners, in line with decisions made by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and recommendations from the United Nations Committee against Torture.
Furthermore, ISACOM has made an urgent appeal to the international community, urging it to take effective action and exert pressure on Morocco to ensure that Sahrawi political prisoners receive their rightful entitlements. The organization emphasizes that Morocco bears full responsibility for the safety and well-being of those on hunger strike and must urgently address their legitimate demands, halting all forms of pressure and mistreatment that jeopardize their basic rights.
The statement specifies that the nine Sahrawi political prisoners participating in the hunger strike are spread across three Moroccan prisons: Mohamed Bani at Ait Melloul 2 Prison; Abdullah Abhah, Mohamed Lamin Haddi, and Bashir Khadda at Tiflet 2 Prison; and Sidi El Bashir Boutengueza, Ahmed Sebai, Ennaama Asfari, El Hussein Zaoui, and Hassan Dah at the Central Prison of Kenitra.
In conclusion, ISACOM has emphasized the need for urgent international action to protect Sahrawi prisoners and uphold their rights, warning of the dire consequences that may arise from the worsening conditions of these prisoners, especially those currently on hunger strike. As reported by spsrasd.info.
