Advocating for the Saharawi
NFI advocates for an end to the last illegally occupied country in Africa – Western Sahara – which would result in the freedom of the Western Sahara citizens to reunite and live in peace in their homeland country after having endured forced exile and ongoing violations of essential human rights since 1975.
In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to keep this issue before the governments that can possibly make a difference, and several countries, including the U.S., have publicly endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Western Sahara or recognized Morocco’s claim of sovereignty over the Saharawi’s former homeland.
There are currently two recent developments that have the power to directly affect the future of the Saharawi people, and the work of Not Forgotten International in the refugee camps:
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- A bill currently before Congress, H.R.4119, seeks to investigate whether the Polisario Front should be designated as a terrorist group. If it is designated as such, NFI’s ability to have a team in the camps and work there, would be directly affected. We urge you to write your Representatives and Senators, denouncing this bill. Time is of the essence, as it could be addressed in November 2025.
- In October 2025, the U.S. presented a draft resolution to the United Nation’s Security Council (UNSC), that urged renewed negotiations based on Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan. Eleven members of the UNSC approved the resolution, with Russia, China, and Pakistan abstaining, and Algeria not voting, saying the resolution ignores Polisario proposals. This has caused much consternation in the refugee camps, and we ask for prayer for upcoming negotiations, that the Saharawi people’s right to self-determination would not be overlooked.
You can read details about each of these developments, in Not Forgotten International’s Statement, which was recently presented to the Saharawi government in the refugee camps.
Join us NOW in voicing your opposition to H.R.4119 by contacting the Senator and U.S. Representatives for your district. Express your concern over this unresolved conflict, and the lack of credibility of this bill. Especially if you’ve been to the refugee camps and experienced the hospitality and care, your perspective needs to be heard.
Most Senators and Representatives have forms on their individual websites, whereby you can send them a message. We’ve included a link to a sample letter, and urge you to personalize it, especially if you have visited the Saharawi camps or have personal knowledge or experience.
How do I contact my U.S. Senator?