From Agadir the group head south to Layounne in Morrocan occupied Western Sahara. On the way we pass through seven police checkpoints. At each our passport details are taken and we are questioned as to the nature of our visit. In Layounne we meet and stay with a known Sahwari activist with good connections with the local communities, both Sahwari and Morrocan. This is important to us as our interest is in the human condition, regardless ofpolitics.
The following day we travel east of Layounne to the desert town of Smara, the scene of significant protest against the occupying Morrocan authority in 2005, to speak to Sahwari activists.
As soon as we step off the bus in Layounne to the time we leave for Al Dakla we are followed. There is a significant security presence and the tension on the street is noticeable. Although WTYSL is non-political and we are here only with an interest in human stories, it soon becomes clear the state of occupation is the single most important social as well as political issue. Any attempt to improve the condition of people living in the region, whether native Sahwari or Morrocan, must involve a serious attempt at a political resolution.
We would also wish to thank all those who agreed to speak with us.
