Considering that most of the Western Sahara’s inhabitants live deep in the Algerian desert in refugee camps, you have to admire their application to the International Olympic Committee to take part in the next Olympic Games. Frankly, the committee is more likely to select Manchester to host the games than to let the Sahraouis field a team. But should they succeed and win any medals, it is a fairly safe bet that as the Sahraouis collect their trophies, the Moroccans will occupy the podium, napalm the spectators and then whinge about being unfairly treated when asked to leave. Because that is what Morocco did to the Sahraouis’ homeland in 1975-76.
The Sahraouis’ refugee camps are remarkable for many reasons. They have been home to a nation of about 180,000 for 25 years; and they have managed to get by without a single visit from Lenny Henry, Angus Deayton or any other of the hand-wringing red-nose wearers.
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