A group of Spanish activists barred from entering the city of Laayoune by Moroccan authorities has admitted their visit was politically motivated, despite initially claiming it was a human rights mission.
The three individuals—former regional MP Jesús Maestro, activist Rosa María Fernández, and journalist Gara Santana from the Spanish news outlet eldiario.es—were turned back on Saturday shortly after arriving on a flight from the Canary Islands.
Speaking to Spain’s Europa Press after returning to the Canary Islands, Maestro acknowledged that the group had intended to denounce what they described as the “exploitation of tourism resources in the Sahara” by European companies, including Spanish firms. The admission stands in contrast to earlier statements that framed their visit as a human rights fact-finding mission.
Maestro said the group sought to expose what he called “illegal tourism exploitation” by businesses investing in hotels and wind energy projects along the Saharan coast—language that mirrors the rhetoric of the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the territory.
While the activists were affiliated with CAES Sahara, an NGO known for its pro-Polisario stance, their references to “illegal occupation” and “European plundering of resources” revealed a broader political agenda beyond human rights concerns.
This is not the first such incident. Earlier this month, Moroccan authorities also blocked another delegation attempting to enter Laayoune, reportedly under the banner of the European Parliament. Morocco has since tightened its stance on groups it accuses of entering the region under pretenses.
In response to the earlier delegation, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the visit was an “attempt to cause disruption” with “no impact.” He reaffirmed that Morocco exercises full sovereignty over its southern provinces, including Laayoune, just as it does over the rest of its national territory.
Mr Bourita, speaking during a press conference with his Cape Verdean counterpart, noted that Morocco welcomes millions of tourists annually, including visits to the Sahara, along with high-level diplomatic and business delegations. He cited the recent visit by the French Senate president to Laayoune as an example.
He stressed that all visits—whether official, tourist, or mission-related—must follow Morocco’s legal procedures. “Those who respect the rules are welcome. Those who attempt to bypass them are subject to the law, just as in any other country,” he said.
The incident highlights growing scrutiny of activities in Western Sahara and Morocco’s efforts to counter what it sees as politically motivated interventions in the disputed territory.
