The Long Struggle: Morocco's Occupation of Western Sahara

The conflict over Western Sahara began in 1975 when Spain withdrew from its former colony, leading to Morocco's occupation of the territory. Despite an International Court of Justice advisory opinion supporting the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, Morocco initiated the Green March, leading to a swift occupation. The ensuing decades saw the construction of a massive sand berm, a brutal guerrilla war led by the Polisario Front, and stalled efforts by the United Nations to hold a referendum. The Sahrawi people continue to face discrimination and harsh living conditions under Moroccan rule and in refugee camps in Algeria. Recent renewed tensions underscore the ongoing struggle and the complex geopolitical implications of the conflict.