Model UN Background Guide

Committee: SPECPOL (GA4)
Topic: Western Sahara
Conference Year: 2025

Topic Background

Western Sahara is a disputed territory in Northwest Africa, bordered by Morocco to the north, Algeria to the northeast, Mauritania to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Formerly a Spanish colony known as Spanish Sahara, the territory’s status has been contested since Spain’s withdrawal in 1975. Following decolonization, Morocco annexed a large part of Western Sahara, claiming historical sovereignty, while the Polisario Front, representing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), declared independence and waged a guerrilla war for self-determination.

The conflict has resulted in a protracted stalemate, with a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations in 1991 but no final status agreement reached. The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established to monitor the ceasefire and organize a referendum on self-determination, which has yet to occur due to disagreements over voter eligibility and political status.

Western Sahara remains Africa’s last major unresolved decolonization issue, with significant regional implications. The conflict affects regional security, migration flows, and resource exploitation, particularly phosphates and fisheries. In recent years, diplomatic shifts, including normalization agreements between Morocco and several countries, and renewed tensions between Morocco and the Polisario Front, have brought renewed international attention to the issue.

The topic’s presence on the SPECPOL agenda in 2025 reflects ongoing challenges in implementing a political solution, the expiration of key ceasefire agreements, and the broader geopolitical dynamics in North and West Africa, including the roles of the African Union and neighboring states.

Key Actors

• Morocco: Claims sovereignty over Western Sahara and administers most of the territory. Morocco controls the major cities and infrastructure and has invested heavily in economic development there. It opposes independence for Western Sahara and supports autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

• Polisario Front / Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR): The Polisario Front is the liberation movement representing the Sahrawi people, seeking full independence for Western Sahara. The SADR is recognized by some states and is a member of the African Union. It controls parts of the territory east of the Moroccan Berm (a defensive wall).

• United Nations: Through MINURSO, the UN is responsible for monitoring the ceasefire and facilitating negotiations toward a political solution, including the long-delayed referendum on self-determination. The UN Secretary-General regularly reports on the situation.

• Algeria: Supports the Polisario Front politically, militarily, and diplomatically. Algeria hosts Sahrawi refugees and opposes Moroccan sovereignty claims, advocating for a referendum on independence.

• Mauritania: Shares a border with Western Sahara and has historically maintained a neutral stance, though it is concerned about regional stability and security.

• African Union (AU): Recognizes the SADR as a member state and advocates for decolonization and self-determination. The AU’s position contrasts with that of some UN member states.

• European Union (EU): Engaged primarily through trade agreements with Morocco that include products from Western Sahara, leading to legal and ethical debates. The EU supports UN-led political solutions but remains cautious in its official positions.

• United States: Traditionally supportive of Morocco’s autonomy plan, the US recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020 under the Trump administration, a position partially maintained under subsequent administrations, balancing strategic interests in the region.

Bloc Positions

• Moroccan and Pro-Moroccan States: This bloc includes Morocco and its diplomatic allies such as the United States, some Arab League members, and countries that have normalized relations with Morocco recently (e.g., UAE, Bahrain). They advocate for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, oppose independence, and emphasize stability and economic development.

• Sahrawi Supporters and African Union Members: Including Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria, and other African states that support the SADR’s right to self-determination and independence. They emphasize decolonization principles and criticize Morocco’s control as occupation. The AU’s position is central here.

• European Union and Western European States: Generally advocate for a negotiated political solution and respect for human rights and international law. While some EU states have called for a referendum, others prioritize stability and economic relations with Morocco. The EU as a collective body promotes UN-led mediation but faces internal divisions.

• Neutral or Regional Stability-Focused States: Including Mauritania, some Sahel states, and non-aligned countries that prioritize regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, and humanitarian concerns over taking explicit sides on sovereignty. They often call for dialogue and confidence-building measures.

Past UN Action

• UN Security Council Resolutions: The Security Council has adopted multiple resolutions renewing MINURSO’s mandate annually since 1991, emphasizing the need for a political solution based on self-determination. Though resolution numbers vary yearly, key resolutions reaffirm the ceasefire and call for negotiations.

• General Assembly Resolutions: The GA has passed resolutions supporting the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and decolonization, often reiterating calls for a referendum.

• Secretary-General Reports: Regular reports detail the political, security, and humanitarian situation, assess MINURSO’s operations, and recommend steps toward resolving the conflict.

• 1991 Settlement Plan: The ceasefire agreement and the plan to hold a referendum on self-determination, which has yet to be implemented due to disputes over voter eligibility and other technical issues.

• Human Rights Reporting: While MINURSO lacks a human rights monitoring mandate, various UN bodies and NGOs have reported on alleged abuses in the territory, which remain a contentious issue in negotiations.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can the UN effectively reinvigorate the political process to achieve a mutually acceptable solution to the Western Sahara conflict?
2. What measures can be taken to facilitate the organization of a free, fair, and impartial referendum on self-determination?
3. How should MINURSO’s mandate be adjusted to enhance its effectiveness, including potential human rights monitoring?
4. What confidence-building measures can be proposed to reduce tensions and foster dialogue between Morocco and the Polisario Front?
5. How can regional actors, including the African Union and neighboring states, be engaged constructively in the peace process?
6. What role should economic development and resource management play in the political settlement?
7. How can the international community address humanitarian concerns, including the situation of Sahrawi refugees?

Further Reading

• UN Documents: Official Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, Secretary-General reports on Western Sahara, and MINURSO mandate renewals provide authoritative information on the UN’s role, legal framework, and political developments. These documents offer insight into international law and the UN’s peacekeeping efforts.

• Think-Tank Reports: Analysis from specialized institutions such as the International Crisis Group, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the European Council on Foreign Relations provide in-depth assessments of the conflict’s political dynamics, regional implications, and policy recommendations. These reports often include scenario planning and stakeholder analysis.

• News Outlets: Reputable international and regional news sources like Al Jazeera, Reuters, BBC, and African news agencies offer current updates, on-the-ground reporting, and coverage of diplomatic developments. These sources help track evolving positions, public opinion, and humanitarian issues in Western Sahara.

This background guide aims to equip delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the Western Sahara conflict’s complexity, the key stakeholders involved, and the challenges facing the international community as it seeks a durable resolution in 2025.