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 absence of security forces" that must maintain order and remove the city's districts from the yoke of gangs of criminals and armed traffickers who behave as masters of the place.

To confirm their mastery of the place and apply their laws, the leaders of these gangs act in broad daylight, in full view of everyone, and plan the attacks entrusted to their underlings. Some citizens contacted expressed their astonishment at this situation and point out that the responsibility lies with the authorities.