El Sáhara Occidental: History and Conflict

The history of the Western Sahara region, including Spanish presence, independence movements, and conflicts with Morocco.

Spanish Presence in Western Sahara

• The Western Sahara was a territory in Northeast Africa bordering Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Spain had a presence in the Western Sahara from 1884 to 1976 when they abandoned the territory.

Independence Movements and Conflicts

• The Sahrawi people began considering independence from Spain to form their own state.

• The Polisario Front was established during the first Congress on May 10, 1973.

Invasion and Formation of Sahrawi Republic

• In October 1975, Morocco invaded Western Sahara through the Green March.

• The Sahrawi Democratic Republic was proclaimed on February 27, 1976.

International Response and Peace Efforts

International reactions to the conflict in Western Sahara and peace initiatives.

International Reactions

• The UN affirmed the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination in November 1976.

• Spain's Communist Party assisted Sahrawi authorities by relocating children during harsh desert summers.

Peace Initiatives

• Peace efforts led to Mauritania withdrawing its troops from Western Sahara in August 1979.

• Morocco constructed defensive walls dividing Sahrawi territories in the '80s.

Current Situation and Unresolved Issues

Present-day challenges faced by the Sahrawi people and ongoing disputes.

Ongoing Disputes

• Despite agreements for a referendum under UN supervision since September 1991, Morocco has not allowed it to take place.