Literary works focusing on the Western Sahara issue have seen a significant resurgence, serving as a vital alternative space to break the media blockade surrounding the long-standing conflict. These works provide a platform to convey the half-century of suffering endured by the Sahrawi people while playing a crucial role in preserving their collective memory.
In observance of World Book Day (April 23), several novels and historical accounts addressing the Sahrawi issue from diverse human perspectives have gained renewed prominence.
Among these is “Arena en los ojos” (Sand in the Eyes) by Spanish journalist Laura Casielles. The book revisits historical events dating back to the 19th century, with a specific focus on the role of the press in documenting the Gdeim Izik camp protests. It highlights the media restrictions that sought to obscure the truth during that pivotal period.
Similarly, “Los desposeidos” (The Dispossessed) by Spanish writer José Carmona Gilo offers a deeply human perspective on the Sahrawi experience in exile. Through testimonies and field journeys to refugee camps, the book sheds light on Sahrawi culture and is described as “a human gateway to understanding the issue through a lens of reality.” “Llorando arena” (Crying Sand) by Rafael Alc?zar evokes Spain’s withdrawal from Western Sahara in 1975. Through personal testimony, Alcizar documents the subsequent political and humanitarian transformations, capturing a sensitive chapter in the history of the Sahrawi people.
Meanwhile, in her novel “Flores de papel” (Paper Flowers), Sahrawi author Ebbaba Hameida weaves a narrative of collective memory through the stories of three women from different generations. Her work highlights the central role of Sahrawi women in preserving identity amidst the hardships of exile.
Writers and researchers alike agree that, despite their varied styles, these works converge to highlight the resilience of the Sahrawi people and their unwavering commitment to their identity and the right to self-determination.
They advocate for a broader engagement with Sahrawi-related literature as an essential means of “preserving collective memory within the cultural and human consciousness.”
