The Long Struggle: Morocco's Occupation of Western Sahara

The story of Western Sahara and its complex relationship with Morocco is a tale of territorial ambition, resilience, and an ongoing struggle for self-determination. It began in earnest in 1975, as Spain prepared to relinquish its control over the territory. The region, rich in natural resources like phosphates and potentially oil, was highly coveted. Despite the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion affirming the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, Morocco's King Hassan II initiated the Green March. This bold move saw 350,000 Moroccan civilians, escorted by troops, march into Western Sahara to claim it as Moroccan land. The march was a spectacle of political theater and military strategy, leading to a rapid Moroccan occupation of the northern part of the territory.

The subsequent Madrid Accords, signed by Spain, Morocco, and Mauritania, transferred administrative control of Western Sahara to Morocco and Mauritania, although these accords were not recognized by the Sahrawi people or the United Nations. The Polisario Front, a Sahrawi nationalist movement backed by Algeria, declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and engaged in a bitter guerrilla war against both occupying forces. Mauritania, overwhelmed by internal strife, withdrew in 1979, leaving Morocco to assert control over the entire territory.

During the 1980s, Morocco fortified its occupation by constructing a massive sand berm, stretching over 2,700 kilometers. This wall, heavily mined and guarded, effectively divided Western Sahara, restricting the movement of the Polisario Front and creating a de facto boundary. This berm not only served military purposes but also symbolized Morocco's deepening control over the region.

Diplomatically, the conflict attracted international attention but little resolution. The United Nations, while not recognizing Moroccan sovereignty, struggled to facilitate a lasting solution. A 1991 ceasefire brokered by the UN led to the establishment of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), tasked with overseeing a referendum on self-determination. However, disputes over voter eligibility and political resistance from Morocco stalled the referendum indefinitely.

Life for the Sahrawi people under Moroccan occupation has been challenging. Reports from human rights organizations highlight systemic discrimination, economic marginalization, and suppression of pro-independence activities. In the occupied territories, Sahrawis face harsh restrictions on their freedoms of speech, assembly, and association. Protests are often met with force, and activists report frequent detentions and abuses by Moroccan authorities.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Sahrawis live in refugee camps in the harsh Algerian desert, reliant on international aid. These camps, including the largest one in Tindouf, are governed by the Polisario Front and serve as a symbol of resistance and the ongoing quest for independence. The living conditions are severe, with limited access to resources and opportunities, but the sense of community and shared struggle remains strong.

In recent years, the conflict has experienced renewed tensions. In 2020, the Polisario Front declared the end of the ceasefire following a Moroccan military operation in a buffer zone near Guerguerat, a critical crossing point to Mauritania. This action led to sporadic clashes, rekindling fears of a wider conflict. Despite these renewed hostilities, the international community has largely maintained a cautious stance, balancing calls for a negotiated solution with geopolitical interests.

The international community's stance on Western Sahara varies widely. While some countries and organizations support Morocco's proposal for limited autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, others continue to advocate for a referendum on self-determination as initially envisioned by the UN. The African Union has generally supported the Sahrawi cause, recognizing the SADR as a member state, while the European Union and the United States have historically navigated a more nuanced position, balancing strategic interests with international law.

Morocco has invested heavily in integrating Western Sahara into its national framework, promoting economic development projects, and encouraging Moroccan settlement in the region. These efforts aim to solidify its claim over the territory and demonstrate benefits of Moroccan governance. However, these measures are viewed by many Sahrawis and international observers as attempts to alter the demographic makeup and entrench Moroccan control.

The conflict over Western Sahara is a vivid reminder of the enduring complexities of decolonization, national identity, and regional politics. It highlights the challenges of balancing historical grievances with contemporary geopolitical realities. As the struggle continues, the people of Western Sahara remain caught between aspirations for independence and the geopolitical strategies of powerful neighbors. The story of Western Sahara is far from over, and its resolution remains one of the most challenging issues in modern international relations.