New book on the plunder of Western Sahara
Article image
A new book has been published describing the political aspects of the natural resources plunder of occupied Western Sahara.
Published 18 June 2018


The book is titled ‘Profit over Peace in Western Sahara – How commercial interests undermine self-determination in the last colony in Africa’ and is published at Sternberg Press.

It is edited by Erik Hagen (board member of Western Sahara Resource Watch) and Mario Pfeiffer.

The book explores the political arguments that that the European Commission used to defend the illegal EU fisheries agreement in the waters offshore Western Sahara back in 2011. It also studies the arrest of the NM Cherry Blossom bulk vessel in South Africa in 2017, containing phosphate rock from the territory.

The book is divided into an English and an Arabic section, containing the same content.

For any question regarding the book, please contact the author at erik@wsrw.org.

book2_609.jpg

SRI update

The following overview enlists stock-exchange registered companies with current or recent operations in occupied Western Sahara. Updated 15 March 2026

15 March 2026

Siemens Energy sidesteps key questions on Western Sahara

At its 2026 Annual General Meeting, Siemens Energy defended its involvement in wind energy projects in occupied Western Sahara.

12 March 2026

Morocco allocates land in occupied Western Sahara to green hydrogen investors

Morocco’s ambitions to become a global green hydrogen powerhouse are accelerating. Yet, Rabat is allocating land in a territory it does not legally own.

20 February 2026

US eyes minerals in occupied Western Sahara

Seeking to position itself as a key supplier of strategic minerals for Western powers, Morocco has signed a new agreement with the United States that covers Western Sahara’s waters and the critical minerals harboured there.  

13 February 2026