Western Sahara Conflict

Definition

The Western Sahara conflict is a territorial dispute primarily between Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which represents the indigenous Sahrawi people. This conflict centers on the status of Western Sahara, a region rich in resources and strategically located along the Atlantic coast, leading to ongoing tensions and political struggles over sovereignty and self-determination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The conflict began in 1975 when Spain withdrew from Western Sahara, leading Morocco to claim the territory, prompting the Sahrawi people to establish the SADR.
2. The war between Morocco and the Polisario Front (the military wing of SADR) lasted until a ceasefire was brokered by the United Nations in 1991, but a referendum has yet to occur.
3. Morocco controls most of the territory and has built a wall to separate its controlled areas from those held by the Polisario Front, which continues to fight for independence.
4. The Western Sahara conflict has significant implications for regional stability in North Africa, influencing relations between neighboring countries and international actors.
5. The situation remains unresolved, with sporadic clashes occurring and diplomatic efforts often stalled due to differing views on sovereignty and self-determination.

Review Questions

• How did the withdrawal of Spain from Western Sahara in 1975 contribute to the emergence of the conflict?
  • Spain's withdrawal left a power vacuum in Western Sahara, allowing Morocco to assert its claim over the territory. This led to immediate tensions with the Sahrawi people, represented by the Polisario Front, who sought independence. The lack of an agreed-upon political process for determining the future of Western Sahara resulted in armed conflict, making this withdrawal a pivotal moment that sparked ongoing disputes over sovereignty.
• Evaluate the role of international organizations in addressing the Western Sahara conflict and their effectiveness.
  • International organizations, especially the United Nations, have attempted to mediate the Western Sahara conflict through initiatives like MINURSO, aimed at overseeing a ceasefire and facilitating a referendum. However, these efforts have often been hampered by Morocco's firm control over much of the territory and its resistance to a referendum that includes full independence as an option. The lack of progress has raised questions about the effectiveness of these international interventions in resolving long-standing territorial disputes.
• Analyze how regional dynamics in North Africa affect the prospects for resolving the Western Sahara conflict.
  • Regional dynamics significantly influence the prospects for resolving the Western Sahara conflict. The involvement of neighboring countries, such as Algeria's support for SADR and Morocco's alliances with other nations, complicates diplomatic efforts. Additionally, shifting geopolitical interests among global powers can affect negotiations and resolutions. These intertwined relationships create an environment where resolving the conflict is challenging, as regional stability hinges on various competing interests that often prioritize political alliances over humanitarian considerations.

Related terms

Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR): A self-proclaimed government that seeks independence for Western Sahara and is recognized by some countries and organizations as the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people.

Referendum: A proposed vote to determine the status of Western Sahara, which would allow the Sahrawi people to choose between independence or integration with Morocco.

United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO): A UN peacekeeping mission established to oversee a ceasefire and facilitate a referendum for self-determination in Western Sahara.