Insecurity in the port city of El Marsa

The port city of El Marsa, 25 km south of Laâyoune, has been living for several months in a climate of insecurity never before equalled in this small town, which is the most prosperous commune in the Sahara.Murders, armed assaults, and burglaries, not to mention delinquency, have become the daily lot of the inhabitants of this city, once known for being peaceful and problem-free.The various gangs that are fighting for control of the districts have created a climate of terror in recent days, forcing the inhabitants to lock themselves in their homes as soon as the sun sets. No one can venture into the streets even to go to the pharmacy to get medicine during this period when the flu and various diseases are widespread.It is to protest against this climate of terror and insecurity that the various components of civil society have organised protest marches denouncing "the laxity and the abs…