In a recent interview, Mahjoub Salek, a former high-ranking official of the Polisario Front, has leveled severe criticism against the organization's internal governance. Salek, who served as the Polisario's Minister of Information, described its political structure as a repressive "Stalinist system." He has been a vocal critic since his departure from the group, which seeks independence for Western Sahara from Morocco.
Salek's comments, reported by Moroccan and regional media, allege a lack of political freedoms, suppression of dissent, and centralized control within the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria. These claims are consistent with long-standing criticisms from human rights organizations and former members regarding the Polisario's administration.
The Polisario Front has historically denied such accusations, asserting it represents the legitimate aspirations of the Sahrawi people. The conflict over Western Sahara remains unresolved, with Morocco proposing autonomy under its sovereignty, a plan rejected by the Polisario, which insists on a referendum on independence.
Salek's public denunciations are part of a pattern of defections and internal criticism that have periodically surfaced. His latest remarks contribute to the ongoing debate about governance and human rights within the Sahrawi political movement, amid a stalled UN-led peace process.
