WSRW Demands Answers from Engie over Dakhla Desalination Project
Concerns Raised Over Environmental Impact Study and Compliance with International Humanitarian Law
A recent report by Western Sahara Resource Watch (WSRW) has raised serious concerns about the Dakhla Desalination Project in occupied Western Sahara, a project being carried out by French energy company Engie. The environmental impact study for the project, conducted by Global Diligence and presented to Engie, fails to acknowledge that the territory is under occupation.
Concerns Over Environmental Impact Study
The report highlights several concerns over the environmental impact study:
- Lack of Acknowledgement of Occupation: The study fails to mention that Western Sahara is under Moroccan occupation, presenting a one-sided view of the consequences of the project.
- Incorrect Information: Every single reference to geographical location in the study is wrong.
Concerns Over Compliance with International Humanitarian Law
WSRW has also raised concerns over Engie’s compliance with international humanitarian law:
- Prioritization of Moroccan Labor and Nationals: A draft contract between Fisia Italimpianti S.p.a and Engie’s subsidiary Dakhla Water & Energy Company states that the contractor must prioritize Moroccan labor and nationals in the construction process.
- Undermining the Fourth Geneva Convention: The project raises concerns about Engie’s contribution to undermining the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits occupiers from moving civilians into occupied territory.
Demands for Transparency
In a letter to Engie, WSRW has demanded answers to several questions:
- Is the environmental impact assessment indeed the one referred to by Engie?
- How does Engie believe it is contributing to undermining the Fourth Geneva Convention?
- Why did Engie refer to the author of the environmental impact assessment as “reputed and known for their knowledge and expertise in the field of business and human rights” when every single reference to geographical location is wrong?
WSRW has also asked Engie to confirm or correct its social media post claiming that windmills will be established in Morocco, despite being located in occupied Western Sahara.
Call to Action
The organization is calling on Engie to respond to these questions and provide transparency about the project’s impact on local communities and its compliance with international humanitarian law. Any response from Engie will be published on WSRW’s website.
Contact: Sara Eyckmans Coordinator, Western Sahara Resource Watch coordinator@wsrw.org