Africa's Last Colony: Western Sahara's Quest for Independence

Strategic Insights -

The African continent has a complex and tumultuous history, with many countries gaining independence after centuries of colonial rule. However, one territory remains stuck in limbo, waiting for its chance to become a sovereign nation. Western Sahara, Africa's last colony, has been at the center of a long-running territorial dispute between Morocco and the indigenous Sahrawi people. The UN Security Council is set to vote on a draft resolution on October 30, which could have significant implications for the territory's future.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on a draft resolution on October 30, which supports Morocco's 2007 autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the basis for a mutually acceptable solution.
  • The autonomy plan has been rejected by the Sahrawi people, who demand independence and self-determination.
  • Dr. Stephen Zunes, a Professor of Politics and International Studies, argues that accepting Morocco's autonomy plan would set a "very dangerous and destabilizing precedent" and undermine the principles of international law.
  • The underlying issue remains how to facilitate a viable and lasting resolution to the long-standing deadlock over the status of Western Sahara, with two fundamentally diverging positions: the Polisario Front's demand for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and Morocco's claim of sovereignty.
  • Significant obstacles remain in the peace process, including hostilities, Morocco's control over three-quarters of the territory, and substantial investments in the region.
  • Dr. Zunes raises concerns about the Moroccan proposal's ambiguity on matters such as control of natural resources and law enforcement, and the proposal's insistence that the Moroccan state keep its powers, including defense and external relations.
  • The UN has recognized Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory, and the African Union has supported the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.

Statistics:

  • Western Sahara has an estimated population of around 600,000 inhabitants and is the most sparsely populated territory in Africa.
  • Morocco controls over three-quarters of the Western Sahara territory and has made substantial investments, including a $1.2 billion port project in Dakhla.
  • Settlers of Moroccan origin account for nearly two-thirds of the approximately half-million residents of Western Sahara.
  • The UN General Assembly has adopted several resolutions affirming the "inalienable right of the people of Western Sahara" to self-determination and independence.
  • October 2025: an immediate issue for the Council is to renew the mandate of MINURSO and consider what changes to the mission's mandate, if any, are necessary.

Sources:

  • https://au.int/en/member_states/countryprofiles2
  • IPS UN Bureau Report, Copyright 2025 Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
  • Dr. Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of San Francisco, and co-author of Western Sahara: War, Nationalism, and Conflict Irresolution.
  • United Nations Security Council report, October 2025.
  • United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/34/37.