The Algerian regime made a volt-face concerning the coronavirus outbreak ending weeks of denial and asking forurgent help to contain the virus in the Polisario-run camps. Weeks ago, many rights NGOs have warned the Algerian regime of the omens of the coronavirus outbreak in the camps. The number of infections is but the tip of the iceberg as Algeria carried fewer tests so far. Algeria has tried to play down the scale of the chaos within the camps and the risk facing the population held against its will in the camps by imposing a media blackout. Many Sahraouis have fled the camp en masse at the risk of being shot at, seeking shelter in Mauritania over fears of the coronavirus outbreak, Mauritanian media reported.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 02, 2020 01:07 UTC