The European Commission ended up reacting to questions from MEPs about the embezzlement of humanitarian aid by the Polisario and its suspicious links with terrorist organizations. The Head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, has made it known that the EU has no proof, while promising to closely follow the evolution of the situation.
The diversion of humanitarian aid destined for the Tindouf camps has taken on such proportions that MEPs have gone online. Brice Hortefeux, MEP of the EPP did not fail to question the European Commission on the actions of the separatist front which continues its actions in the indifference of the international community. The letter, sent on December 5, 2022, focused on “the Polisario’s links with terrorist groups as well as the audit of European Union (EU) humanitarian aid to the Tindouf camps”.
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, answered the question addressed to him on this subject. The head of European diplomacy assured that “to date the Commission has not detected any evidence of aid diversion”.
According to the response, the content of which is made public, “over the past five years, the Commission has carried out six audits relating to humanitarian actions implemented in the Sahrawi camps”.
UN Agencies And International Non-Governmental Organisations
“The EU, through the Commission, funds humanitarian aid exclusively through UN agencies and international non-governmental organisations”, he said, adding that “the surrender of accounts is essential for the Commission, which regularly carries out audits”.
In order to further reduce the risk of aid being misused, the Commission regularly organizes monitoring visits to the camps and only finances projects for which a rigorous monitoring system is in place,” said Josep Borrell.
Regarding the Polisario’s links with terrorist organizations, Borrell was circumspect in his response. He explained that the European Union “does not have information on a possible collaboration between the Polisario and terrorist groups in the region”. However, the EU will continue to follow developments closely, he assured, stressing that the Union “remains firmly committed to preserving stability and security in the Sahel and in the whole region”.
This article is originally published on lopinion.ma
