Closing of the Summer University for Sahrawi State Cadres in Boumerdes: Reaffirmation of the Sahrawi People’s Right to Self-Determination and Independence

 

The 14th edition of the Summer University for cadres of the Polisario Front and the Sahrawi State concluded today, Thursday, in Boumerdes Province, Algeria. The event was held from August 10 to 20, 2026, under the theme “Self-determination and independence are an inalienable right,” with broad participation from Sahrawi cadres representing various components of the national body.

Hosted by Boumerdes Province, the Summer University served as a political and training platform bringing together capacity-building, the exchange of expertise, and discussions on various issues related to the Sahrawi cause. The event reaffirmed the centrality of the Sahrawi people’s right to determine their own future and freely choose their political destiny, as reflected in the positions and contributions presented throughout this edition.

A Platform for Training and Capacity Building

Throughout the university’s sessions, participants attended a series of lectures and seminars addressing political, legal, media, social, and economic issues, as well as topics related to national state-building, the role of civil society, international relations, psychological warfare and the media, natural resources, and human rights.

The contributions emphasized the importance of continuous training for Sahrawi cadres as a means of strengthening their capacities and keeping pace with regional and international developments. They also stressed the need to consolidate awareness of national issues and enhance the ability to address the political, media, and legal challenges facing the Sahrawi cause.

In this context, Dr. Saïd Ayachi, President of the Algerian Committee for Solidarity with the Sahrawi People, highlighted the educational importance of the Summer University, praising the quality of its program and expressing his thanks to the various institutions and bodies that contributed to the success of the 14th edition.

Fatima Mehdi: Gratitude for Algeria’s Hospitality and Support

The President of the Summer University, member of the National Secretariat and Minister of Cooperation, Fatima Mehdi, expressed her appreciation to the various Algerian institutions and bodies that contributed to the success of this edition. She also conveyed the gratitude of the Sahrawi people for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to the participants during their stay in Boumerdes Province.

She further praised the content of the lectures delivered throughout the university, considering them an important contribution to the participants from different parts of the national body by providing knowledge, discussions, and opportunities to exchange experiences and expertise.

She stressed that the Summer University has become an important forum for training and communication, as well as a space for strengthening the fraternal and solidarity ties between the Algerian and Sahrawi peoples.

Boumerdes: Renewed Commitment to Hosting the Summer University

For her part, Boumerdes Governor Naïma Fawzia affirmed that various Algerian institutions and bodies had played an active role in ensuring the success of the 14th edition. She wished the participants and cadres continued success and expressed hope that they would benefit from the series of lectures and activities that marked the university’s program.

She also renewed Boumerdes Province’s readiness to host future editions of the Summer University for Sahrawi cadres, reaffirming the province’s continued support for an event that has become an annual platform for communication, training, and solidarity.

Sahrawi Embassy: Support and Exchange of Expertise

In the same context, the Embassy of the Sahrawi Republic in the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria followed and supported the activities of the 14th edition through continuous monitoring and participation in its various events.

Sahrawi Ambassador to Algeria Khadri Addouh noted that the Summer University represents a model of communication and exchange of expertise between Sahrawi and Algerian elites. He said it contributes to greater engagement with the elites of neighboring countries and considered the experience a model that could potentially be replicated elsewhere.

A Political and Solidarity-Focused Closing

The closing ceremony was attended by Sahrawi Prime Minister Bachraya Beyoun, President of the Summer University Fatima Mehdi, Boumerdes Governor Naïma Fawzia, President of the Algerian Committee for Solidarity with the Sahrawi People Dr. Saïd Ayachi, and Sahrawi Ambassador to Algeria Khadri Addouh, alongside local authorities, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Algeria, and representatives of civil society.

With the conclusion of the 14th edition, the Summer University once again demonstrated its role as a platform for political and intellectual training and the exchange of expertise, while reaffirming the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and independence as a central theme in the messages and interventions delivered during the closing ceremony.

This edition, through its training and solidarity dimensions, reflects the continued importance of the Summer University as a forum bringing together Sahrawi cadres with Algerian intellectuals and public figures, providing space for discussion on the future of the Sahrawi cause and the challenges it faces, with the aim of strengthening national action and developing the capacities and skills required to address the various challenges and upcoming milestones.