The refugee children

One of the most depressing aspects of the Western Sahara conflict is the situation of children growing up in the refugee camps, with virtually no hope for a decent future. After thirty-two years, whole generations have lived their entire lives there in the dusty camps of Tindouf, in exile and conditions of half-starvation, whether in war or peace. Among the few bright spots of the lives of these children are the annual trips abroad organized by various solidarity organizations, mainly in Spain, but also other countries, like France, Italy, Switzerland, the USA, and (other parts of) Algeria. Between them, they bring nearly ten thousand Sahrawi kids over the Mediterranean each year, to spend the summer with host families and escape the Saharan heat for a couple of weeks or months. Because of the small size of the refugee community, almost all today's Sahrawi refugee children have had this opportunity, often more than once. For them, it's an opportunity to leave the desert, and experience forests, cities, lakes, the sea and other things they've only heard about before, to spend time with European kids their age, practice their Spanish, and perhaps to get summer schooling or medical treatment.

Published on the ARSO opinions page, a Sahrawi who grew up in the Moroccan-controlled territories writes about his experience working with Sahrawi children from the refugee camps, who spend their summers with a French scout association (hasty translation by WSI). One is of course free to disagree with his support for an independent Western Sahara, but whatever side one supports in this conflict, if any, it gives some valuable insight into the life of Sahrawi refugee children, and the importance of these brief escapes abroad:

Two months of freedom for exiled children

by Tayab Bougraimez

By a Sahrawi who grew up in the occupied zones of Western Sahara, and who presently lives in France. A Sahrawi who, before passing every summer with the French boy and girl scouts of the Paul Emile Victor de Loon-Plage group, had never had any contact with his compatriots in the refugee camps of Tindouf.

Moments spent, every year, with my little Sahrawi brothers and my comrades, the scouts, are unique and unforgettable. They are moments of freedom and happiness.

Today, like every year, when seeing the smiles on the faces of little Sahrawis, it gives me incredible joy and great pride. These little refugees have the occasion to know, to discover and practice so many new activities, like the pool, the beach, the river, and many maritime activities like the canoe, the boat, and the pedal-boat, and to pass pleasant days in the beautiful regions of France. They often picnic together with our French boy- and girlfriends. And, not to forget, the roller, and the impressive days full of adventure, for all, in Bagatelle Park.

Myself, sometimes as interpreter and companion, but also as brother and friend of these little children, I feel the innocence in their words and the love in their hearts.

This unique experience is not unimportant, as I am often reminded of. Like when Taoufa compares France with the camps, and she tells me, with an unhappy look, that “the difference between these two countries, it’s like I put my left hand in the water, and my right hand in the fire”. Or when Badabada, nine years old, who doesn’t hide his joy and happiness in receiving his second present in nine years of his life, says “my first gift, that’s my trip to France, and my second gift, that’s the beautiful mountain bike that I got, not to mention the presents that our father Christian and the whole big family of scouts keeps giving us every day”.

I’m proud of these little children, who are already beginning to know some French phrases, like bonjour, ça va, merci, je t’aime, comment tu t’appelles [1], and who know all the first names of the members of the group. They have a thirst for knowledge, for discovery. These children robbed of happiness and of their childhood, love to discover our way of life, a world of freedom.

Many children who live in peace and know liberty, dream of having a castle, a nice car, lots of toys, a swimming pool … while the Sahrawi children dream only of one thing, which is to grow up in their land (Western Sahara), free and independent.

All this hurts me, touches me, because I see the childhood of my Sahrawi brethren, spoilt, lost and with a dark future. I suffer in particular when I see their drawings, where one sees nothing except tents, camels, sand and a flag, the one that their families are hoping for since 30 years.

One day I asked the same question to a young Sahrawi and a [French] boy scout: “what do you want to work with in the future?”. Thibault answered that he wanted to become an engineer to construct playgrounds and football stadiums, while Bachir, he wanted to become a soldier to liberate and protect his country. I was speechless. One cannot and one must not stay insensitive hearing such words coming from the mouth of an eight-year old.

Thirty years ago, the battles began, and it is already thirty years that my people has been suffering and divided, all this with no reaction from the world. They know the problem, they see it, but do nothing.

Right now, manifestations and violence is taking place in the occupied zones, which are fighting their own battle. The world can thus see the real face of the Moroccan government, which is lynching Sahrawi students, imprisoning journalists and intellectuals because they have dared to side with or speak of the Sahrawi problem openly. They dare talk and dream of peace, their will to be free and independent on their land.

Give us your hand,

Reach out to us,

For a better tomorrow,

For everyone!

-- Tayeb Bougraimez 02.09.07

[1] Hello, how are you, thank you, I love you, what's your name.