SAHARAWI'S PEOPLE
Who are them, and why are they still living in exile?
The Saharawi are the native people of Western Sahara, a territory located between Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania, rich in natural resources and with access to the Atlantic Ocean. In 1975, after Spain ended its colonial rule, Morocco annexed the territory, triggering a conflict with the Polisario Front, the Saharawi liberation movement.
Tens of thousands of Saharawi families fled the violence, seeking refuge in the Algerian desert. There, they built temporary camps that have since become semi-permanent towns: home to generations born in exile.
In 1991, after years of war, the United Nations brokered a ceasefire with a clear promise: a referendum would be held to allow the Saharawi to choose between independence or integration into Morocco.
However, the vote has never taken place.
Despite the hardship, the Saharawi people are known for their resilience, their hospitality, and their peaceful spirit. One of the most symbolic traditions that continues even in exile is the ritual of tea. Served three times: the first bitter like life, the second sweet like love, and the third soft like death, tea is more than a drink. It is a ritual of connection, a moment to pause, share stories, and welcome others.
Around 170,000 Saharawi refugees live in five camps in the Algerian desert (Smara, Dakhla, Auserd, El Aaiún, and Boujdour).
These camps function like small towns, with schools, hospitals, and community centers run by the refugees themselves and international aid.
Life is harsh: water is scarce, stored in containers that leach calcium and can cause health issues such as kidney stones. Food and water supplies rely entirely on aid from international organizations and the Algerian government.
Most roads in the camps are unpaved: only those connecting the main camps are paved, and dust fills the air constantly. Cars circulate, but moving around remains a challenge. Houses are made of sun-dried mud bricks, which help regulate extreme temperatures. Healthcare is basic; the photos show a general doctor’s office and a delivery room.
