Belgian Le Soir investigates Moroccan POWs in Tindouf, Polisario's aid embezzlement
Belgian daily 'Le Soir' published Wednesday a whole-page investigation on the situation of Moroccan POWs held in Tindouf (southwestern Algeria) and Polisario's embezzlement of the Humanitarian aid destined to the populations sequestered in southeastern Algeria.
Over 900 Moroccan prisoners of war have been held in southwestern Algeria for over 20 years. Though seriously ill, they sustain systematic torture and inhumane treatment, the newspaper writes. "By night, they sleep in containers or trenches," Beatrice Petit reports.
Le Soir echoes the call of 'France Libertes', a human rights NGO, to donors, including the EU, to investigate Polisario's embezzlement of humanitarian aid, which is sold or traded in Southern Algeria or neighboring countries.
France Libertes' report only confirms what we already knew and confirms our requests vis-a-vis our NGO partners, says the paper citing the European humanitarian aid Office (ECHO).
According to le Soir, Europe has since reduced its aid to Tindouf populations from 15 to 5 million Euro in 2003, due to the absence of control over the distribution of aid in the camps. France Libertes, led by Danielle Mitterand, widow of former French president Francois Mitterand, had published a damning 52-page report accusing Algeria and Polisario of serious violations against Moroccan prisoners in Tindouf and Blida (northern Algeria)and suspended all aid to the Polisario mercenaries. "France Libertes" is a human rights organization that had long been supporting the separatists against Morocco. However, it recently discovered the reality and the harsh living conditions of the populations sequestered after an eye-opening mission to the camps.
The paper said ECHO will exact a free control over aid sent by NGOs to the camps, and free movement for the personnel it sends to the camps.
Of the situation of children sequestered in the camps, 'Le Soir' says teens are sent to Algeria or Cuba, "but it is impossible to leave without an Algerian passport, the only recognized document," explains the reporter.
Sahrawis are well aware that only a political agreement between Morocco and Algeria will lead to a sustainable settlement, writes Petit.