Resounding Success of International Youth Forum for Solidarity with Western Sahara

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | October 14th, 2024 — The International Youth Forum for Solidarity with Western Sahara, held in Bilbao, Spain, has been hailed as a significant triumph, bringing together over 220 participants from 31 countries. The event, organized by the Union of Youth of the Polisario Front, gathered youth leaders, political representatives, and solidarity activists from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America in a powerful demonstration of global support for the Sahrawi cause.

In an interview with APS, Oubi Bouchraya Bachir, the Polisario Front’s representative to Switzerland, the United Nations, and international organizations in Geneva, expressed his pride in the overwhelming success of the Forum. “The success of this Forum is evident not only in the number and diversity of participants from across the globe but also in the leading role of Sahrawi youth, who spearheaded every aspect of the Forum’s preparation and organization,” he stated, reflecting on the Forum’s achievements at the conclusion of its three-day proceedings on Sunday.

A New Chapter in International Mobilization

One of the key outcomes of the Forum was the adoption of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at intensifying international mobilization efforts and galvanizing youth from all corners of the world to stand with the Sahrawi people. This roadmap comes at a crucial time, as the Sahrawi struggle faces complex geopolitical challenges, but also celebrates significant diplomatic victories in the fight for independence. “We are witnessing an extraordinary moment, where the mobilization of young people worldwide is growing in strength and influence, and we must harness this energy to further our cause,” Bachir emphasized.

The roadmap envisions the sustained engagement of global youth networks, leveraging digital tools and modern communication strategies to continue raising awareness and support for Western Sahara’s struggle. The Forum reinforced the importance of aligning its objectives with the evolving landscape of international advocacy and the demands of modern communication, ensuring that the Sahrawi movement remains agile and responsive to new challenges.

Empowering a New Generation of Sahrawi Leaders

A significant theme of the Forum was the preparation of a new generation of Sahrawi leaders. Bachir praised the Forum for its role in ensuring the generational continuity of the Sahrawi struggle, noting that the event not only empowered Sahrawi youth to take the helm but also created a platform for international youth to contribute meaningfully to the cause. “This Forum has secured a vital legacy for the Sahrawi movement, enabling the next generation to be fully prepared to lead the fight for independence and ensuring the international community’s unwavering solidarity,” Bachir affirmed.

Next Forum in 2025: Algeria to Host the Global Solidarity Movement

Looking ahead, the next edition of the International Youth Forum for Solidarity with Western Sahara is set to take place in Algiers in 2025. Expectations are high, with Bachir expressing optimism for the future: “We have great hopes for the next Forum, especially as it will be held in Algiers—a city with a proud history of supporting liberation movements and a longstanding commitment to standing by oppressed peoples.”

The symbolic significance of Algiers, a historical beacon of revolutionary solidarity, is expected to add considerable weight to the 2025 Forum, further consolidating Algeria’s pivotal role in championing the Sahrawi cause on the international stage.

A Strong Showing of Global Solidarity

The Bilbao Forum saw robust participation from a wide array of international actors. Youth organizations, political parties, and solidarity groups converged from 31 countries, including notable contingents from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The breadth of international representation underscores the global resonance of the Sahrawi cause, as movements worldwide unite to demand justice, self-determination, and an end to the occupation of Western Sahara.

Algerian youth, in particular, played a prominent role in the Forum, deepening their engagement with the Sahrawi struggle. This increasing mobilization of Algerian youth reflects Algeria’s historical and ongoing solidarity with the Sahrawi people—a solidarity that has only strengthened as the Sahrawi cause gains more attention on the global stage.

Looking to the Future

As the third edition of the International Youth Forum for Solidarity with Western Sahara concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of strengthened international collaboration and an energized youth movement ready to continue the fight for justice. The Forum not only highlighted the growing global solidarity for Western Sahara but also solidified the Sahrawi youth’s central role in leading their people towards independence.

In the words of Bachir, “This is more than just a moment of success—it is the beginning of a new chapter in our struggle, driven by the unyielding determination of our youth and the unwavering support of our international allies.”

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