The gathering, held at the municipal council of Gran Canaria, featured various activities that highlighted the Sahrawi people's fight for self-determination and independence. The event included a lecture by Juan Carlos Jimeno, a professor at the Autonomous University of Madrid, who specializes in anthropology and the study of Sahrawi culture. Jimeno's lecture explored the history and cultural heritage of the Sahrawi people, highlighting what sets them apart from neighboring cultures.
The event also featured the presentation of a book titled "Sahrawi Novel and Short Stories" and a documentary film called "Songs of Resistance." Several speakers discussed the Sahrawi people's identity, culture, and struggle for independence, tracing their history from the Spanish colonial era to the present day. The speakers emphasized the unique historical characteristics of the Sahrawi community.
The gathering was overseen by Carmelo Ramirez, a councilor for international cooperation and solidarity on the Gran Canaria Island Council, and Esther Garcia, president of the Canary Islands Terrestrial Association. The association coordinates various projects related to culture and education in Sahrawi refugee camps. The event provided an opportunity to raise awareness about human rights abuses in the occupied territories of Western Sahara.
The event drew attention to the harsh realities faced by Sahrawi civilians under Moroccan occupation, including serious human rights abuses. The situation of Sahrawi political prisoners in Moroccan jails was also discussed, particularly those on hunger strike, such as the "Akdim Izik" group. The prisoners are demanding their release and the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, freedom, and independence.
The gathering was attended by Mohamed Said, deputy representative of the Polisario Front in the Canary Islands, as well as several individuals interested in the Sahrawi cause and Canarian supporters of the Sahrawi people. Representatives of the Sahrawi community residing on Gran Canaria Island also participated in the event. The gathering demonstrated the importance of cultural activities in promoting awareness about the Sahrawi cause.
The organization of this intellectual gathering reaffirmed the significance of cultural action in promoting the Sahrawi cause, preserving Sahrawi collective memory, and showcasing the richness and diversity of Sahrawi culture. The event also aimed to strengthen ties of solidarity between the Sahrawi people and their friends and supporters in the Canary Islands.
The event highlighted the Sahrawi people's struggle for self-determination and independence, which has been ongoing for decades. The gathering provided a platform for Sahrawi voices to be heard and for their culture to be shared with a wider audience.
Key points
- The gathering highlighted the Sahrawi people's struggle for self-determination and independence from Moroccan occupation.
- The event featured various cultural activities, including a lecture, book presentation, and documentary screening.
- The gathering raised awareness about human rights abuses in the occupied territories of Western Sahara.
