THE CASE OF WESTERN SAHARA (Ints 207)

Introduction

Western Sahara is a disputed territory on the northwest coast of Africa, bordered by Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. With a population of over 500,000, it remains one of the most enduring unresolved conflicts in international relations, rooted in decolonization and competing claims over sovereignty and self-determination.

The Parties to the Conflict

Spanish flag and the Western Sahara 

1. Morocco:

   Morocco considers Western Sahara an integral part of its southern provinces and currently controls about 80% of the territory, including major cities, coastlines, and natural resources.

2. Polisario Front:

   A nationalist liberation movement representing the Sahrawi people, seeking full independence. It controls roughly 20% of the territory, often referred to as the “Liberated Territories,” with support and refuge in Algeria.

Territorial Division

Morocco has constructed a fortified sand wall known as the “Berm,” which separates the Moroccan-controlled areas from the Polisario-controlled zones.

• Moroccan zone: sometimes called the “useful triangle” due to its economic value
• Polisario zone: referred to as the “Free Zone” or “Liberated Territories”

Origin of the Conflict

The roots of the conflict lie in decolonization:

• 1956: After gaining independence, Morocco claimed Western Sahara (then Spanish Sahara) as part of its historical territory.
• 1960s–1970s: Spain maintained colonial control over the territory.
• 1973: The Polisario Front was formed to end Spanish rule and secure independence.
• 1975: Spain withdrew following the Madrid Accords, transferring administrative control to Morocco and Mauritania.
• 1975–1979: Polisario fought both Morocco and Mauritania; Mauritania later withdrew its claim in 1979.
• 1976: Polisario declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).

Armed Conflict and Ceasefire

• 1973–1991: Armed struggle between Morocco and Polisario, mainly guerrilla warfare.
• 1991: A ceasefire was brokered by the United Nations, which established MINURSO to organize a referendum on self-determination.
• The referendum has not been held due to disagreements over voter eligibility and political conditions.

Current Situation

• Morocco controls most of Western Sahara and proposes autonomy under its sovereignty.
• The Polisario Front insists on a referendum that includes the option of full independence.
• Tensions occasionally flare despite the ceasefire framework, and the political process remains stalled.

Key Issues in International Relations

The Western Sahara conflict highlights several core IR themes:

• Decolonization and unfinished colonial legacies
• Self-determination vs. territorial integrity
• Regional rivalry, especially between Morocco and Algeria
• Challenges of global governance, particularly the limits of UN peacekeeping and mediation

Conclusion

The case of Western Sahara remains a complex and unresolved dispute shaped by historical claims, nationalist aspirations, and geopolitical interests. Despite decades of UN involvement, a lasting solution has yet to be achieved, making it a significant example of the difficulties in balancing sovereignty and the right to self-determination in the international system.