The World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a contribution of $120,000 from the Government of Brazil to meet the urgent food needs of the most vulnerable people in the Sahrawi camps in Algeria, the agency reported in a statement. These refugees have lived in five camps near the town of Tindouf in southwest Algeria under extremely harsh conditions in the Sahara Desert since 1975. More than 80 percent of the population relies entirely on humanitarian aid to meet their basic food needs.
For the Sahrawi refugees, WFP’s assistance remains a lifeline. Through its partnership with the Algerian Red Crescent, WFP distributes monthly food rations tailored to nutritional needs while increasingly prioritizing programs aimed at tackling malnutrition among children and pregnant women and promoting better nutrition practices.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Brazil for their continuous unwavering support to Sahrawi refugees and commitment to humanitarian principles,” said Aline Rumonge, WFP Representative and Country Director in Algeria. “This timely contribution provides the critical resources needed to sustain food assistance and optimize our operations in the camps.”
In 2025, WFP provided more than 22,000 metric tons of food to 133,000 beneficiaries including 8,600 pregnant and breastfeeding women with monthly cash-based transfers to improve dietary diversity and reduce anemia. WFP also distributed specialized nutritious food to prevent and treat moderate acute malnutrition among 15,000 children under five.
“Brazil remains committed to supporting Sahrawi refugees in Tindouf through financial contributions and in-kind donations from the government and private sector,” said Brazilian Ambassador to Algeria Marcos Pinta Gama. “We stand with the Sahrawi refugees, who have been living under difficult conditions for many years.”
WFP has supported the Sahrawi refugees in Algeria since 1986, working in coordination with national and international organizations to ensure food assistance reaches those who need it most.
