Australian musicians show support to the Saharawi cause.

A benefit night of music, dance and solidarity to support the refugees of Western Sahara was held at the Basement (music venue) in Sydney on 27 October.

The night featured Sydney's premier a cappella group, Café of the Gate of Salvation and African drumming and dance by Mohamed Bangoura. 

The event is part of Refugee Week celebrated in Australia. Margaret Piper, Executive Director of the Refugee Council of Australia spoke during this event about that the Saharawis have been refugees for a long time and that this can not be tolerated. She urged the Australians to do their utmost to support refugees and lobby the Australian government about this issue.

The Polisario representative in Australia, Kamal Fadel spoke about the background of the issue and said that international solidarity and support is vital and that unless Morocco feels the pressure it will end its illegal of Western Sahara.

He added that by attending the event Australians are sending a clear message to the Moroccan regime that its illegal occupation is not accepted and showing to the Saharawi people that their plight is not forgotten.

The event was attended by many Australians who came to show their support and solidarity with the Saharawi people.

The Café at the Gate of Salvation has been thrilling audiences since 1986 with music inspired by the African and African-American vocal traditions. They are famous for their performance at festivals throughout Australia, including Womadelaide and the visit of Nelson Mandela to Sydney in 1990.

Mohamed Bangoura was born in West Africa, to a family of Griots. . Mohamed has been involved in music all his life. He has been the lead soloist on the djembe with Ballet Matam and has toured throughout Europe and America

Sydney, 27.10.04