Europe’s Steadfast Support Keeps Hope Alive for Sahrawi Refugees in Algeria

In the vast desert expanse near Tindouf in southwestern Algeria, over 133,000 Sahrawi refugees continue to depend on life-saving food aid each month. Their plight, largely overlooked by global headlines, remains one of the world’s longest-running refugee situations. This month, the European Union (EU) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to these refugees, extending its partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) through sustained funding of €5 million per year.

This marks the second consecutive year of the multi-year funding arrangement, aimed at ensuring that Sahrawi refugees receive essential food assistance and targeted nutrition support.

Since 1975, when conflict forced them from Western Sahara, most Sahrawi refugees have remained in five remote camps near Tindouf. Isolated from economic opportunities and facing harsh desert conditions, over 80 percent of the camp population relies entirely on humanitarian aid to meet basic food needs. Through its partnership with the Algerian Red Crescent, WFP distributes monthly food rations tailored to nutritional requirements. At the same time, it has expanded programmes to tackle malnutrition among children and pregnant women, including Social Behaviour Change initiatives that promote healthier nutrition practices.

“We are deeply grateful to the European Union for their unwavering support and commitment to the Sahrawi refugees,” said Aline Rumonge, WFP Representative and Country Director in Algeria. “This strong and reliable partnership provides the sustained funding we need to deliver life-saving assistance while improving the effectiveness of our operations in the camps.”

In 2024 alone, WFP provided nearly 19,000 metric tons of food to Sahrawi refugees and supported around 8,600 pregnant and breastfeeding women with monthly cash-based transfers to improve dietary diversity and help reduce anaemia risks. The agency also distributed specialised nutritious food to children under five to prevent and treat moderate acute malnutrition.

Since 2003, the EU has contributed more than €102 million (approximately US$123.4 million) to WFP’s operations in Algeria, making it a cornerstone donor for efforts to support the Sahrawi people. With global attention to protracted crises often shifting elsewhere, this enduring partnership stands as a testament to Europe’s commitment to ensuring these refugees are not left behind.

WFP has been working alongside the Sahrawi refugees in Algeria since 1986. Its food assistance operations are carried out and closely monitored in collaboration with national and international partners to ensure aid reaches those who need it most.

In a world where humanitarian needs continue to outpace available resources, the EU’s steadfast support offers not only meals on tables but also hope for thousands who have endured displacement for generations.

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