Western Sahara: The Forgotten Conflict

Throughout your life, you've likely encountered numerous global maps displaying various types of worldwide data. If you've paid close attention, you may have noticed a peculiar pattern emerging in the northwestern corner of Africa. Regardless of the data being presented, this territory is almost always left blank or labeled as "no data."

Whether it's a map showing global GDP per capita, access to electricity, population density, CO2 emissions, meat consumption, human development index scores, prison population rates, or even U.S. State Department travel advisories, this particular area in Africa consistently appears as a blank space with no information.

The Disputed Territory of Western Sahara

This mysterious blank spot on the map is known as Western Sahara. If you look at the territory on Google Maps, you'll notice a conspicuous dashed line marking its northernmost border with Morocco. However, when consulting the list of United Nations member countries, you won't find Western Sahara listed.

Western Sahara is more of a geographic expression than a country. The dashed line on Google Maps implies that it's a disputed territory. In fact, it's the largest active territorial dispute in Africa and among the largest in the world.

Key Facts about Western Sahara:

• Size: Approximately the same as the United Kingdom
• Control: 80% under de facto control of Morocco (referred to as "southern provinces")
• Remaining 20%: Mostly empty desert, theoretically controlled by the Polisario Front

The Polisario Front and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

The Polisario Front is a nationalist movement comprised of Western Sahara's indigenous people, known as the Sahrawi. They claim the entirety of Western Sahara's territory as their own country, which they call the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).

The Polisario Front rejects Morocco's presence in Western Sahara, viewing it as an illegal foreign occupation. Meanwhile, Morocco continues to claim the entire territory of Western Sahara as its sovereign territory.

The Conflict and Its Impact

The dispute over Western Sahara has led to decades of violent conflict, resulting in:

• A 2,700 km long wall made of sand and stone dividing the territory
• Millions of landmines along the wall, making it the longest continuous minefield in the world
• A collapsed ceasefire in 2020, leading to resumed hostilities
• International involvement, with various countries supporting different sides

Historical Context

To understand the current situation, it's essential to examine the history of the region:

Spanish Colonial Era

• 1884: Spain acquired the territory during the Berlin Conference
• Known as Spanish Sahara for nearly a century

Moroccan Independence and Territorial Claims

• 1956: Morocco gained independence from France
• 1957: Morocco launched attacks on Spanish territories, including Spanish Sahara

The Sand War and Border Disputes

• 1963: Conflict between Morocco and newly-independent Algeria over border provinces
• 1972: Morocco and Algeria settled their border dispute

The Green March and Madrid Accords

• 1975: Morocco organized the Green March, sending 350,000 unarmed settlers into Spanish Sahara
• Spain withdrew from the colony and partitioned it between Morocco and Mauritania

Polisario Front and the SADR

• 1976: Polisario Front proclaimed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)
• Algeria became the first country to recognize SADR's independence

The Berm and Ceasefire

• 1981-1987: Morocco built a massive wall (the Berm) to separate controlled areas from Polisario-held territories
• 1991: UN-brokered ceasefire agreement

Current Situation and Challenges

Demographics and Referendum Issues

• Total population of Western Sahara: Approximately 600,000
• Two-thirds are Moroccan settlers or their descendants
• Disagreement over who should be allowed to vote in a potential referendum

Economic Interests

• Rich phosphate deposits at the Bou Craa mine
• Potential offshore natural gas reserves
• Fisheries in the exclusive economic zone

International Recognition and Diplomatic Shifts

• 2020: U.S. recognized Morocco's annexation of Western Sahara
• 2022: Spain accepted Morocco's autonomy plan
• 2024: France voiced support for Morocco's plans

Arms Race and Regional Tensions

• Morocco has significantly increased military spending and weapons purchases
• Algeria has responded by boosting its own military budget

The Future of Western Sahara

The conflict remains unresolved, with both sides rejecting recent proposals for partition. Morocco insists on autonomy within the Moroccan state, while the Polisario Front demands an independence referendum.

The international community must engage in skilled diplomacy to prevent further escalation and find a peaceful resolution to this long-standing dispute. As Western Sahara continues to be a blank spot on most maps, its future hangs in the balance, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations in North Africa and beyond.

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