EU Strengthens Lifeline for Sahrawi Refugees with €5M Annual WFP Aid Support

As global crises shift attention elsewhere, the European Union (EU) is reaffirming its commitment to one of the world’s longest-standing yet often overlooked refugee crises—the plight of the Sahrawi refugees in Algeria. Through sustained funding to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the EU ensures vital food assistance reaches more than 133,000 vulnerable people every month in the desolate Tindouf refugee camps of southwestern Algeria.

July 2025 marks the second year of a multi-year partnership, under which the EU commits €5 million annually to help meet the basic nutritional needs of Sahrawi refugees—many of whom have lived in semi-permanent camps since 1975, following the Western Sahara conflict that displaced tens of thousands.

A Lifeline in the Desert: Food and Nutrition at the Core

Situated in the harsh Sahara desert with limited access to economic opportunities, over 80% of Sahrawi refugees rely entirely on humanitarian aid for survival. Through its implementing partner, the Algerian Red Crescent, WFP provides monthly general food rations carefully designed to meet the population’s energy and micronutrient needs.

WFP’s assistance includes staples such as cereals, pulses, vegetable oil, sugar, and fortified foods, and is increasingly paired with nutrition-sensitive programming that seeks to prevent and treat malnutrition, particularly among children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

“We are deeply grateful to the European Union for their unwavering support and commitment to the Sahrawi refugees,” said Aline Rumonge, WFP Representative and Country Director in Algeria. “This strong and reliable partnership provides the sustained funding we need to deliver life-saving assistance while improving the effectiveness of our operations in the camps.”

Addressing Malnutrition and Supporting Maternal Health

In 2024 alone, the WFP distributed nearly 19,000 metric tons of food, a critical lifeline in a region where local food production is virtually impossible due to the arid climate and geographical isolation.

A key feature of the EU-WFP initiative is the use of cash-based transfers (CBTs) for nearly 8,600 pregnant and breastfeeding women, enabling them to diversify their diets by purchasing fresh produce and protein-rich foods from local markets. This strategy has proven essential in reducing the risk of anaemia and improving maternal health outcomes.

Moreover, WFP is distributing specialised nutritious products, such as Super Cereal and lipid-based nutrient supplements, to combat moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) among young children, a growing concern in camp environments where infections and poor sanitation increase vulnerability.

Social Behaviour Change and Community Engagement

In line with a more holistic humanitarian approach, the EU-funded operations also support Social Behaviour Change (SBC) campaigns aimed at fostering better nutrition practices at the household level. These initiatives are designed to educate caregivers on infant feeding, hygiene, and meal preparation, ensuring that families make optimal use of the food and resources they receive.

SBC strategies are particularly important in contexts like Tindouf, where nutrition knowledge, cultural norms, and food availability all impact how humanitarian assistance is consumed and its long-term effectiveness.

A Historic and Enduring Partnership

The EU is not a newcomer to the humanitarian response in Algeria. Since 2003, it has contributed over €102 million (US$123.4 million) to WFP’s operations in support of Sahrawi refugees, making it one of the most consistent and significant donors to this protracted emergency.

WFP itself has been operating in the Sahrawi camps since 1986, navigating evolving challenges while maintaining rigorous oversight mechanisms in cooperation with both national and international organizations. These partnerships are crucial in ensuring that aid reaches the people for whom it is intended, particularly as funding needs grow and global attention fades.

“With global humanitarian budgets stretched thin, this enduring partnership underscores a shared commitment to ensure Sahrawi refugees are not forgotten,” said Rumonge.

The Road Ahead: Humanitarian Needs Remain High

Despite ongoing efforts, food insecurity and undernutrition remain persistent concerns in the camps. The geopolitical stalemate around Western Sahara, compounded by climate-related pressures and limited donor visibility, continues to restrict sustainable development options for the Sahrawi population.

WFP and its partners are actively exploring resilience-building strategies, including small-scale livelihood initiatives and improved food systems within the humanitarian context. However, these approaches depend on the stability and predictability of donor support, making the EU’s multi-year funding model all the more valuable.

A Shared Commitment to Dignity and Survival

The EU’s continued investment in food assistance for Sahrawi refugees is more than just a humanitarian contribution—it is a lifeline that supports dignity, health, and hope for communities that have endured decades of displacement. As the world grapples with a growing list of emergencies, the Sahrawi crisis stands as a reminder of the importance of sustained global solidarity.

By renewing its financial and moral commitment, the European Union not only upholds humanitarian values but also affirms the universal right to food, health, and a future free from fear and deprivation.