Future prospects for the resolution of conflict in the Western Sahara: Solution or revolution?

Abstract

The protracted conflict in Western Sahara remains unresolved, and there is little indication of its future resolution. In a context where the major international actors continue to ignore the gravity of the situation in the Sahrawi Territories, coupled with the de facto failure of the United Nations (UN) to push the conflict resolution process any further, the Sahrawi population is becoming increasingly impatient. Since mid-2005, the Sahrawis have expressed their discontent with the status quo and thus called for an Intifadah (revolution) in order to gain their independence from the Kingdom of Morocco. With the imminent uprising of the Sahrawi population, many analysts have questioned the future resolution of the conflict. This paper will attempt to analyse the possible directions the conflict may take, and provide a forecast of what is to be expected.

Africa Insight Vol. 36 (2) June 2006: 35-45