Greta Thunberg in Tindouf: An Inappropriate Interference in an Artificial Conflict

The recent visit of Greta Thunberg, a global icon in the fight against climate change, to the Tindouf camps has sparked significant controversy. By involving herself in the complex issue of the Western Sahara conflict, the Swedish activist steps out of her area of expertise, raising questions about the relevance and neutrality of her commitment.

While Morocco’s autonomy plan, widely supported by the United Nations Security Council, is considered the most realistic solution to this dispute, Greta Thunberg appears, through her visit, to take sides in this so-called artificial conflict. Such an approach, perceived as partisan, raises questions about her motivations and calls for a deeper understanding of the historical and geopolitical context. A visit to Morocco’s southern provinces, accompanied by discussions with local officials, could offer her a more balanced perspective and shed light on Algeria’s role in perpetuating this crisis.

The Tindouf camps, often described as an “open-air prison,” are the site of repeated human rights violations according to several international organizations. Refugees live in precarious conditions, worsened by Algerian blockades preventing their return to their homeland, in blatant violation of international conventions. Furthermore, Algeria is accused of manipulating refugee figures and diverting humanitarian aid—abuses regularly reported by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

Dissent is also silenced in these camps, where any opposing voices are repressed, exposing a context of systematic oppression. As a human rights advocate, Greta Thunberg could play a crucial role by calling for international investigations into these practices and denouncing the abuses suffered by local populations.

While her fight for the environment commands unanimous respect, Thunberg would benefit from focusing her influence on her areas of expertise, adopting a more neutral and informed stance on complex geopolitical conflicts. Her involvement, if guided by comprehensive information and balanced analysis, could genuinely contribute to defending the fundamental rights of vulnerable populations.