A Glimpse into the Lives of Sahrawi Refugees

I recently visited the Tindouf refugee camps in Algeria, home to over 170,000 Sahrawi refugees who have been displaced since 1975. Despite the harsh living conditions, the refugees have managed to build a community and maintain a sense of hope for their cause. They live in tents made from goat hair and rely on humanitarian aid for their basic needs. The camps are organized into five main districts, with schools, clinics, and community centers. However, due to the extreme heat and sandstorms, many suffer from respiratory diseases. I learned about the Sahrawi people's history and struggle for independence, as well as their culture and traditions, including music and handicrafts. The Polisario Front, which administers the camps, also gave me a tour of the military headquarters and showed me the weapons they use to defend themselves against the Moroccan army. It was a sobering reminder of the ongoing conflict in Western Sahara that has left the Sahrawi people in limbo for decades.