The Complex History of Western Sahara: Disputed Territory and Its Transfer

Western Sahara is a territory that has long been the subject of intense debate and conflict among neighboring nations, most notably Morocco and Mauritania. Contrary to popular belief, Spain did not own Western Sahara before handing it over to these two countries. This article delves into the detailed history of Western Sahara, the players involved, and the circumstances leading to its transfer.

Sources of Conflict: Historical Context

The roots of the dispute over Western Sahara can be traced back to the period of European colonialism. Before gaining independence, the territory was under the control of the Spanish Empire as part of its colonial possessions in North Africa. Spain formally established control over Western Sahara in the late 19th century after negotiations with other European powers and local tribes.

However, as the colonial era drew to a close in the mid-20th century, nationalist movements around the world gained momentum. Many former colonies sought independence from their colonial rulers. The Spanish began to consider transferring their colonies to local rule or to independent states. This process was complicated by the underlying issues of local governance and the rights of various ethnic groups in the region.

The Role of Morocco and Mauritania

As Spain began to plan the transfer of Western Sahara, Morocco and Mauritania had their eyes on the territory. Both nations laid claim to the land based on historical and cultural ties. According to Moroccan authorities, the Hassani nomads who had settled in the area traced their lineage back to Morocco. Mauritania claimed the land due to its historical links and the traditional trans-Saharan trade routes.

These claims were more than just historical rhetoric. Both Morocco and Mauritania had significant interests in the region, including economic benefits from potential mineral resources and strategic importance in the Western Sahara's coastal location. This led to a situation where the territory was essentially under de facto control of both countries by the mid-1970s.

The Evacuation and Transfer of Power

On November 6, 1975, a significant event occurred that would shape the future of Western Sahara. This day is known as the Green March, during which over 350,000 unarmed Moroccan citizens crossed the border into Western Sahara to demonstrate their claim to the territory. This march put pressure on the Spanish government to hand over the area.

Just a few days after the Green March, Spain agreed to withdraw its forces and to transfer Western Sahara to a joint administration by Morocco and Mauritania. On April 11, 1976, the agreement was signed, effectively ending Spain's control over the region.

Spain’s decision to vacate Western Sahara was a result of multiple factors, including political pressure from its North African neighbors, internal political changes in Spain, and pressure from international organizations that were campaigning for decolonization. The transition to both Morocco and Mauritania was not smooth, leading to further complications and conflicts in the region.

The Ongoing Conflict and International Involvement

Since the handover of Western Sahara, the area has remained a hotly contested zone. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which claims to be the true government of Western Sahara, has been recognized by several countries and international bodies. The Polisario Front, a movement representing the SADR, has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with both Morocco and Mauritanian forces.

The situation has been further complicated by the intervention of international actors. The United Nations has been involved in the dispute through various peacekeeping missions and negotiations. A number of countries, including the United States, have expressed their support for Moroccan claims over Western Sahara, while others, like the United Kingdom and France, have recognized the SADR as a potential independent state.

Despite the involvement of the UN, the conflict over Western Sahara remains unresolved, leading to persistent demands for self-determination and even calls for international intervention. The issue continues to be a contentious topic in international diplomacy and geopolitical discussions.

Conclusion

Western Sahara's path to independence and the resolution of the ongoing conflict remain uncertain. The transfer of power from Spain to Morocco and Mauritania was a pivotal moment in the territory's history, but it did not resolve the underlying issues and disputes. Future developments in this region will depend on the negotiation and resolution of the claims of multiple parties and the outcomes of international diplomatic efforts.