Western Sahara

The Last Disputed Territory in Africa

Western Sahara is a sparsely populated region in Northwest Africa, bordered by Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Atlantic Ocean. Rich in phosphate deposits and fishing resources, this desert territory is at the heart of one of the world’s longest-running territorial disputes, primarily between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which claims independence under the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).

Formation and Historical Background

  • Historically inhabited by nomadic Sahrawi tribes, part of the wider Berber-Arab ethnic fabric.

  • Colonized by Spain in the late 19th century, known as Spanish Sahara.

  • In 1975, Spain withdrew; Morocco and Mauritania claimed the region.

  • Mauritania renounced its claim in 1979, but Morocco retained de facto control over about 80% of the territory.

  • The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, declared the SADR in 1976.

  • The United Nations considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory pending a referendum on self-determination, which remains unresolved.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Claimed Name Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)
Disputed Name Moroccan Southern Provinces
Capital (Claimed by SADR) Laayoune (العيون) (controlled by Morocco)
Temporary Capital (SADR-administered) Tifariti
Continent Africa (Northwest)
Languages Hassaniya Arabic (local), Modern Standard Arabic, Spanish, Berber
Claimed Currency Sahrawi Peseta (symbolic)
Actual Currency in Use Moroccan Dirham (MAD) in Moroccan-controlled zone
Area Approx. 266,000 sq. km
Population Approx. 600,000 (combined)
Time Zone UTC+0 (SADR); UTC+1 (Moroccan-administered)
ISO Code EH (non-sovereign)

Government and Leadership (Disputed)

Moroccan Administration (De facto control)

Position Current Officeholder (2024)
Monarch King Mohammed VI
Regional Walis Appointed by the Moroccan Ministry of Interior
Governance Type Regionalized under Moroccan sovereignty

SADR (Polisario Front) – Government-in-Exile

Position Current Officeholder (2024)
President Brahim Ghali
Prime Minister Bouchraya Hammoudi Bayoun
Legislative Body Sahrawi National Council
Based in Tindouf refugee camps, Algeria

Administrative Divisions

Western Sahara is currently divided into different zones based on control:

Morocco-Controlled Areas (80%)

Divided into three Moroccan regions:

  1. Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra Region

    • Capital: Laâyoune

    • Provinces: Laâyoune, Boujdour, Tarfaya, Es-Smara

  2. Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab Region

    • Capital: Dakhla

    • Provinces: Oued Ed-Dahab, Aousserd

  3. Part of Guelmim-Oued Noun Region (Northern buffer zone)

SADR-Controlled Areas (20%)

Known as “Free Zone”, includes towns like:

  • Tifariti

  • Bir Lehlou

  • Mehaires

  • Mijek

Also includes Tindouf camps in Algeria, housing ~175,000 Sahrawi refugees.

Local Government Structure

  • Moroccan-controlled areas: Integrated into Morocco’s regional administrative system with elected councils and appointed governors (Walis).

  • SADR-controlled areas: Administered via local revolutionary councils; governed from Tindouf camps.

  • SADR promotes a liberation movement-based structure with participatory councils.

Leadership & Governance

  • Morocco promotes regional development and integration into national identity.

  • SADR seeks full independence via a UN-supervised referendum.

  • UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has monitored ceasefires since 1991 but has not held the referendum.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Moroccan side: Administered by Moroccan police and gendarmerie.

  • Free Zone: Secured by Sahrawi People’s Liberation Army (SPLA).

  • Ongoing tensions along the berm (defensive sand wall) built by Morocco.

  • Sporadic clashes and landmine hazards present in buffer zones.

Economy & Industry

  • Moroccan-controlled area:

    • Phosphate mining (Bou Craa)

    • Fishing (Atlantic coast)

    • Solar and wind energy investment

    • Infrastructure development by Moroccan state

  • SADR zone:

    • Largely dependent on foreign aid, refugee assistance

  • Dispute affects foreign investment and sovereignty recognition

Education & Institutions

  • Moroccan side:

    • Integrated schools and technical institutes

    • Universities in Laâyoune and Dakhla

  • SADR side:

    • Education in refugee camps via support from NGOs and Algeria

    • Emphasis on literacy, national consciousness, and independence

Healthcare

  • Moroccan side:

    • Public hospitals in Laâyoune, Dakhla

    • Access to Moroccan national health system

  • SADR side:

    • Clinics in refugee camps

    • International humanitarian medical support

    • Key concerns: malnutrition, chronic illness management

Transport & Connectivity

  • Roads: Well-paved highways in Moroccan zone; desert tracks in SADR areas

  • Airports: Laâyoune Hassan I Airport, Dakhla Airport

  • Ports: Dakhla and Laâyoune are used for export (phosphate, fish)

  • SADR zones lack independent infrastructure

Tourism & Attractions

  • Laâyoune, Dakhla: popular for water sports, fishing, and eco-tourism

  • Desert experiences and cultural festivals (in Moroccan areas)

  • SADR organizes international solidarity camps and film festivals in Algeria

  • Political instability limits widespread tourism

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Dominated by Sahrawi Arab-Berber identity

  • Oral poetry, tea culture, traditional dress (deraa), and nomadic heritage

  • Islam is the primary religion (Sunni)

  • Music: Haul traditions, desert rhythms

  • Culture is a key part of Sahrawi resistance and Moroccan national messaging

Summary

Western Sahara is a symbol of unfinished decolonization and a land of cultural resilience. Whether seen as a Moroccan Southern Province or an independent Sahrawi homeland, its future hinges on diplomacy, self-determination, and sustained peace. The region’s strategic location, rich resources, and passionate people continue to shape one of the most complex geopolitical narratives in Africa.