The Unspoken Conflict In Western Sahara

Western Sahara has been the most populous and largest non-self-governing territory since 1963. Conflict in the area remains one of the oldest unresolved ones in the world. The conflict mainly involves the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front, which later formed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. These two disputants were in armed conflict between 1975 and 1991 when a ceasefire was signed. However, since then no viable peace process has been established in Western Sahara. This paper analyses the claims of the Sahrawi including their demand for self-determination, incorporating the different roles of players at regional and international levels. It also reflects on efforts made by the United Nations to contain the conflict. Lastly, the paper offers possible formulae to end the conflict keeping in mind the best interests of all disputants.