Algeria imposes new restrictions on those held captive in the Tindouf camps, thus strengthening its control over this population already subjected to extremely precarious living conditions. The latest oppressive measure applied in these camps: the ban on obtaining mobile phone recharges and SIM cards.
For several decades, the populations living in the Tindouf camps, under the control of Algeria and the Polisario Front, have been subjected to extremely difficult living conditions. Recently, new restrictions have been imposed, including a ban on obtaining mobile top-ups and SIM cards, exacerbating the pressure on this already vulnerable population. This measure, which is added to restrictions on freedom of movement, raises serious concerns about respect for the fundamental rights of this population and Algeria's real commitment to the international community.
A population cut off from the rest of the world
The Tindouf Autonomist Support Forum (FORSATIN) reported that Algeria recently took the decision to ban phone card recharges for residents of the Tindouf camps. This measure comes as tensions in these camps intensify, due to the voices that are increasingly being raised to castigate the oppressive policies of Algeria and its Polisario puppets. The ban on the use of means of communication is part of a series of restrictions that include limitations on the movement of goods and people.
According to sources well informed of the situation in the camps, the Algerian authorities perceived a change in the relationship between the sequestered populations and the Polisario, as well as a lack of respect towards the Algerian regime. The latter is in fact exerting increasing pressure on dissident voices who denounce the situation in the camps via social networks. The sequestered population was recently warned by the Polisario against the dangers of using telephones to communicate, in particular audio messages shared on platforms like WhatsApp, which can be “used for political purposes by Morocco” .
It should be noted that for decades, this population has been confined in isolated camps, lives in precarious conditions and is subject to constant surveillance. Algeria, unwavering support of the Polisario, still refuses to organize an independent census of this population, despite repeated resolutions from the UN Security Council which call for such a measure to guarantee the fundamental rights of those sequestered.
This refusal to allow an independent census not only deprives any visibility on the real humanitarian situation in the camps, but also on the essential needs of this population. By limiting their freedom of movement, Algeria perpetuates a form of authoritarian control over this population. Many NGOs and international human rights institutions denounce this policy of oppression and demand intervention to guarantee the fundamental rights of this population.
