The vessel 'Atwood Achiever' which will drill in occupied Western Sahara is getting closer. After some ten days under the radar, crossing the Indian Ocean, the vessel has now appeared off the coast of Madagascar.
For the first time in Western Sahara's history under Moroccan occupation, drilling for oil will commence later this year. The drilling is in violation of international law.
The drillship 'Atwood Achiever' is owned by Atwood Oceanics, chartered by Kosmos Energy from the US and Cairn Energy from Scotland.
The vessel disappeared from AIS receivers approximately 10 days ago, and has now reappeared after the Indian Ocean crossing.
Saharawis are increasingly frustrated over the violation of their fundamental rights which Morocco's oil programme is representing. Western Sahara has been partially occupied by neighbouring Morocco since 1975. The companies involved refuse to listen to the protests from the ground. According to the UN any further exploration will be illegal.
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