Western Sahara Conflict

Definition

The Western Sahara conflict is a territorial dispute primarily between Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which is backed by the Polisario Front. The conflict arose after Spain withdrew from its former colony in 1975, leading to Morocco's annexation of the region and subsequent resistance from the SADR. This ongoing struggle for self-determination and control over Western Sahara has significant political, social, and economic implications for North Africa.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Western Sahara conflict has persisted for decades, leading to ongoing tensions and military skirmishes between Moroccan forces and the Polisario Front.
2. In 1991, a United Nations-brokered ceasefire was established, along with a peace plan that called for a referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people, which has yet to occur.
3. Morocco controls approximately 80% of Western Sahara, while the SADR governs parts of the region, particularly in refugee camps in Algeria.
4. Internationally, the situation is complicated, with varying levels of recognition for the SADR and differing positions among countries regarding Moroccan sovereignty over the territory.
5. Human rights concerns have been raised regarding the treatment of Sahrawis living under Moroccan administration, including issues related to freedom of expression and political dissent.

Review Questions

• How did the withdrawal of Spain from Western Sahara contribute to the emergence of the conflict?
  • Spain's withdrawal in 1975 created a power vacuum in Western Sahara, which Morocco quickly sought to fill by annexing the territory. This move was met with resistance from the Sahrawi people, represented by the Polisario Front, who demanded independence and self-determination. The lack of a clear transition of authority led to tensions that sparked the conflict, as both sides laid claim to the land.
• Analyze the impact of international involvement in the Western Sahara conflict, particularly regarding the role of the United Nations.
  • The United Nations has played a crucial role in attempting to mediate the Western Sahara conflict through various resolutions and peacekeeping efforts. The UN brokered a ceasefire in 1991 and proposed a referendum for self-determination for Sahrawis; however, ongoing disagreements between Morocco and the Polisario Front have prevented this referendum from taking place. The international community remains divided on recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara or supporting Sahrawi independence, complicating efforts to reach a resolution.
• Evaluate how the Western Sahara conflict affects regional stability and relationships among North African countries.
  • The Western Sahara conflict significantly impacts regional stability by exacerbating tensions between Morocco and neighboring countries like Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front. This long-standing dispute hinders cooperation on economic and security issues within North Africa, contributing to broader geopolitical divisions. Additionally, ongoing human rights concerns within Western Sahara create a potential flashpoint for unrest that can destabilize relations among North African nations and affect their collective approach to regional challenges.

Related terms

Polisario Front: A nationalist movement representing the Sahrawi people that seeks independence for Western Sahara from Moroccan rule.

Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR): A self-proclaimed government of the Sahrawi people, established by the Polisario Front in 1976, claiming sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Green March: A mass demonstration organized by Morocco in November 1975, where thousands of Moroccans marched into Western Sahara to assert Moroccan claims over the territory.