A meeting was held in Madrid on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, to review the file of Sahrawi natural resources and related legal issues. The meeting, which was attended by international experts and lawyers, was organized by the Follow-up Group on the File of Natural Resources and Related Legal Issues. The group is led by Abibeshraya El-Bashir, and its members include lawyers and activists who have been following the various legal and human rights paths aimed at protecting the natural resources of the Sahrawi people.
The meeting reviewed the progress made since the last meeting in July 2026, which was held at the headquarters of the Sahrawi Republic. The participants discussed the developments recorded in the judicial and legal paths, particularly before European courts. They reviewed the results achieved during the past period and the legal developments in the file of natural resources for Western Sahara.
The meeting also discussed the challenges that still exist for efforts to impose respect for the sovereign rights of the Sahrawi people to their natural resources. The participants reviewed a number of priority files and issues that the group will follow up during the next stage. They emphasized the importance of continuing coordination between the group, lawyers, experts, and international partners.
The meeting aimed to strengthen accountability for the illegal exploitation of Western Sahara's natural resources and expand the scope of legal action before relevant bodies and courts. The participants stressed the need to develop legal tools and mechanisms to enhance protection of Western Sahara's natural resources and consolidate the Sahrawi people's right to exercise their permanent sovereignty over their wealth and resources.
The meeting was attended by Emmanuel Duver, the lawyer for the Polisario Front, and a number of international activists and supporters who have been following the various legal and human rights paths aimed at protecting the natural resources of the Sahrawi people. The participants emphasized the importance of continuing coordination between the group and international partners.
The meeting comes within the framework of a series of meetings held by the Sahrawi group to follow up on the file of natural resources and related legal issues. The goal is to evaluate the work done, determine priorities for the next stage, and enhance international coordination in various legal and human rights paths related to the file of natural resources for Western Sahara.
The participants reiterated their commitment to supporting the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and the protection of their natural resources. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to continue efforts to enhance the protection of Western Sahara's natural resources and promote the Sahrawi people's right to exercise their sovereignty over their wealth and resources.
Key points
- International experts and lawyers met in Madrid to review the file of Sahrawi natural resources and related legal issues.
- The meeting aimed to strengthen accountability for the illegal exploitation of Western Sahara's natural resources.
- The participants emphasized the importance of continuing coordination between the group and international partners.
