Refugee Tourism at Western Sahara

The Western Sahara is at the heart of a forgotten conflict. Now, after 30 years in exile, Sahrawi refugees are encouraging foreign tourists into their camps, in a desperate bid to raise international awareness.

“It’s a surreal experience, out in the desert.” Emma is one of the hundreds of westerners visiting the Sahrawi camps each year. For the exiled government, the Polisario, tourist income offers a chance to supplement international aid. But among the Sahrawi youth, many only hope the tourism will build support for armed conflict. “Nothing will be changed without going back to the war. It’s good for us. The tourists will find the truth by their own eyes.”