“Amateur radio in the Western Sahara, with temperatures exceeding 50°C, presents a very difficult challenge to overcome”
Western Sahara is a territory located in northwest Africa, with a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. In 1963, it was included on the list of 17 non-self-governing territories under the supervision of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization.
The country is bordered to the north by Morocco, to the northeast by Algeria, to the east and south by Mauritania, and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean.
During the summer, violent sandstorms and torrential rains are common.
The temperature contrast between the coastal strip and the inland regions is striking; while in the desert temperatures exceed 50°C for extended periods, on the coast they hover around 30°C.
In 1987, we conceived the idea of creating a new entity for amateur radio worldwide.
The idea originated with Naama Zeinddin S01A and was developed jointly with Arseli EA2JG.
I won’t recount here the long and laborious process that culminated in the launch of S0RASD, which generated enormous and difficult-to-control congestion. The station was operated by S01A Naama, OH2BH Martti, and EA2JG Arseli.
It was thrilling and indescribable: finally, “S0” was on the air. It’s essential to acknowledge the fundamental role of Martti OH2BH, his presence as an operator, and the extensive efforts he undertook to achieve recognition of S0 Western Sahara by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) as a new country.
Since then, several amateur radio groups have passed through Western Sahara operating with different call signs, undoubtedly enjoying the hospitality and generosity of the Sahrawi people, but they also left something there, a seed so that S0 could continue broadcasting.
Thirty-nine years have passed; it was a historic moment that we experienced with great intensity, but now we must face the harsh reality that the inhabitants of Western Sahara are experiencing.
Amateur Radio in Western Sahara: Taking the First Steps, S01WS on the Air
In the spring of 2014, Naama and I undertook the challenging task of founding an amateur radio club in Western Sahara.
We obtained permission to use a space in Tifariti, an adobe building covered with a wooden structure and metal sheets.
I sent a 100W radio and several dipole antennas, and thus the Radio Club was born, operating with the call sign S01WS.
For the higher bands, dipole antennas aren’t the best solution, so I began seeking help to acquire a tower, a multiband directional antenna, and a rotor—a high-cost project considering our remote location.
Thanks to Rodrigo EA7JX, we were able to send a fantastic 59+ antenna, one of the best multiband antennas, and in the fall of 2014, Roberto EA2CNU, along with Naama S01A and Azman S01AH, installed the system with fabulous results.
We must highlight the significant assistance received from Kan JA1BK (Japan) for the purchase of crucial equipment such as an antenna and an air conditioner.
The Disaster and the Solidarity
After two years of operating S01WS and with nearly 100,000 communications, hurricane-force winds toppled the tower, the antenna collapsed, and the rotor broke.
In addition, torrential rains caused severe damage to the precarious adobe dwellings where most of the population lives, and the fragile radio station also collapsed.
The radio club is currently operating out of a tent, and a 5-meter tower has been erected using the remains of the previous one, which serves as a support for the dipoles.
We are deeply saddened, but at the same time, we are gathering strength so that the global amateur radio community has the opportunity to communicate with Western Sahara.
Once again, we asked for help from our Japanese friends and received a significant contribution towards the purchase of a linear amplifier. Furthermore, to our pleasant surprise, Khan JA1BK secured a donation of an FT DX 3000 from YAESU.
We also thank Fernando EA8AK, who helped with printing the first QSL cards, and Paul F6EXV and Jan DJ8NK for their valuable collaboration.
Radio station reconstruction and new tower.
Radio activity on the amateur radio bands has never been higher than in the last three years, but there is still much to be done to reach other stages and provide many amateurs with S0 coverage on the lower bands (160 meters) and on 50 MHz, a rather unusual frequency where they currently operate with a 40-meter dipole antenna.
Thanks to the generosity of EA7JX, we have received a new tower and a SPID rotor donated by WiMo.
S01WS must remain on the air.
Amateur radio in Western Sahara, with temperatures exceeding 50°C, is a very difficult challenge to overcome. The Sahrawi people can do it, but they need your help.
EA2JG Arseli Echguren
