Swedish activists Benjamin Ladraa and Sanna Ghotbi resumed their long-distance bike journey on Friday from the iconic esplanade of Riadh El-Feth in Algiers, marking the final stage of their mission to show solidarity with the Sahrawi people and their fight for independence in Western Sahara, Africa’s last colony.
During a media briefing, the activists expressed their excitement about reaching this final milestone after covering 32,000 kilometers and crossing 25 countries.
“I am thrilled to start this last leg of our journey from Riadh El-Feth, a historic and symbolic site, towards the Sahrawi refugee camps,” Ladraa said, thanking Algeria for its warm hospitality. He reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Sahrawi cause until “the final victory of the Sahrawi people.”
Ghotbi shared similar sentiments, describing the journey as a dream that is close to being realized. She highlighted that the trip, which began more than two and a half years ago, aims to raise awareness and build solidarity with the Sahrawi people.
The duo plans to spend nearly two months cycling through several Algerian provinces, including Blida, Chlef, Mostaganem, Oran, Tlemcen, and Béchar, before reaching the camps. Along the way, they will hold events and meet with students, local officials, and civil society groups.
A major solidarity gathering is scheduled at the Sahrawi refugee camps in early January, where over 80 activists from the countries they cycled through will join to participate in conferences, caravans, and other activities.
Sanna Ghotbi emphasized that their efforts will not end with this journey. “We plan to organize more actions in the future, including visits to the United Nations to amplify the voice of the Sahrawi people,” she said.
Said Ayachi, president of the Algerian National Committee of Solidarity with the Sahrawi People (CNASPS), praised the initiative as a powerful show of international support for the Sahrawi cause. He noted that Algerian supporters will accompany the cyclists during the final stage of their journey, underscoring that “the Sahrawi people are not alone in their struggle for independence.”
