In a reply to a MEP's question about the need of such a census, alluding to the embezzlement of EU humanitarian aid by the polisario, Mogherini noted that there "had indeed been problems."

"There has to be a census" of Tindouf camps populations, the European Commission Vice President added during a meeting of the European Parliament's committee on budget control.

The EU Commission allocates annually € 10 million for Tindouf camps population.

The report issued by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) revealed the existence of mass embezzlement of European aid sent to the Tindouf populations.

The investigation conducted by OLAF teams revealed the existence of networks involved in large-scale diversion of the international humanitarian assistance, and noted that aid was extended on the basis of inaccurate figures, since no census of the population has ever been conducted.

News and events on Western Sahara issue/ CORCAS