Western Sahara: Polisario leader appeals to UN as prisoners hunger strike

Brahim Ghali, President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, has issued an urgent appeal to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding nine Sahrawi civil prisoners on indefinite hunger strike. The detainees, held in Moroccan-controlled facilities including Aït Melloul 2, Tiflet 2, and Kénitra, began their protest on September 23. Ghali reported that the prisoners' health has severely deteriorated, specifically noting the cases of Mohamed Bani and Hassan Eddah, and alleged that they have faced ill-treatment and isolation.

In a separate diplomatic development, Senegal has reiterated its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as a credible solution to the Western Sahara dispute. Speaking before the Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, Senegalese representatives affirmed their support for Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Senegal also called for improved international cooperation to ensure fundamental rights and humanitarian aid for populations in the Tindouf camps in Algeria.