Western Sahara, a region located in North Africa, has been a point of contention for decades. Historically inhabited by the Sahrawi people, this vast desert territory was once a Spanish colony known as Spanish Sahara. Spain’s withdrawal in 1975 left a power vacuum, leading to a territorial dispute between Morocco, Mauritania, and the indigenous Polisario Front.
Under pressure from neighboring countries and nationalist movements, Spain signed the Madrid Accords in 1975, effectively dividing Western Sahara between Morocco and Mauritania. However, the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and launched a guerrilla war against both nations. Mauritania withdrew in 1979, but Morocco expanded its control, building a massive sand berm to secure its claimed territories.
Morocco’s sovereignty claim over Western Sahara is rooted in historical ties dating back to pre-colonial times. In 1975, King Hassan II organized the Green March, a peaceful demonstration where 350,000 Moroccans crossed into Western Sahara to assert their right to the land. This symbolic act strengthened Morocco’s position, but it also intensified the conflict with the Polisario Front.
The UN has been involved in the Western Sahara dispute since the 1990s, proposing a referendum for self-determination. However, disagreements over voter eligibility and Morocco’s refusal to accept independence as an option have stalled the process. The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) remains in place, but its mandate has been repeatedly extended without resolution.
Western Sahara is not just a territorial dispute—it’s a geopolitical battleground involving global powers. Morocco has secured support from the U.S. and several Arab states, while the Polisario Front enjoys backing from Algeria and some African nations.
The region is rich in phosphates, fisheries, and potential offshore oil reserves, making it economically valuable. Morocco has invested heavily in infrastructure, promoting development projects to legitimize its control. Meanwhile, the Polisario accuses Morocco of exploiting resources illegally.
In 2020, the U.S. recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in exchange for Morocco normalizing relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. This controversial move shifted the diplomatic landscape, with some countries reconsidering their stance while others condemned it as a violation of international law.
Beyond politics, the conflict has displaced thousands of Sahrawis. Many live in refugee camps near Tindouf, Algeria, relying on international aid. Reports of human rights abuses, including restrictions on movement and suppression of pro-independence activism, have drawn criticism from organizations like Amnesty International.
Young Sahrawis are increasingly using social media to raise awareness, documenting protests and alleged abuses. Hashtags like #FreeWesternSahara have gained traction, but Morocco tightly controls information within its administered zones.
With no clear resolution in sight, the question remains: Will Western Sahara gain independence, remain under Moroccan control, or find a middle ground through autonomy? The international community remains divided, and the Sahrawi people continue to wait for a long-promised referendum.
Algeria remains a key supporter of the Polisario, while Morocco leverages its alliances with the U.S. and Gulf states. The African Union’s stance has been inconsistent, reflecting broader divisions on the continent.
Environmental challenges add another layer of complexity. Droughts and desertification threaten livelihoods, raising questions about sustainable development in a post-conflict scenario.
The story of Western Sahara is far from over—it’s a living history, shaped by shifting alliances, economic interests, and the resilience of its people.