Model UN Background Guide

Committee: SPECPOL (GA4)

Topic: Western Sahara

Conference Year: 2026

Topic Background

Western Sahara is a disputed territory located 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. The main conflict involves Morocco, which claims sovereignty over Western Sahara, and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), proclaimed by the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi nationalist movement seeking independence.

The conflict’s roots lie in decolonization and competing territorial claims. When Spain left, Morocco and Mauritania partitioned the territory, but the Polisario Front resisted, declaring the SADR and engaging in armed conflict. Mauritania withdrew in 1979, but Morocco extended control over most of the territory, building a fortified sand barrier known as the Berm to separate Moroccan-controlled areas from Polisario-controlled zones.

The United Nations has sought to mediate a peaceful resolution for decades, emphasizing the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination through a referendum. However, disagreements over voter eligibility and political status have stalled progress. The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), established in 1991, remains deployed but has yet to facilitate a referendum.

This issue remains on the SPECPOL agenda in 2026 due to ongoing tensions, occasional flare-ups of violence, and stalled negotiations. The recent years have seen renewed diplomatic efforts, including proposals for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, which the Polisario Front rejects, insisting on full independence. Additionally, changing regional dynamics, such as shifting alliances in the Maghreb and broader geopolitical interests involving Algeria, Morocco, and external actors (including the United States and European Union), have kept Western Sahara a salient topic in international diplomacy.

Key Actors

• Morocco: Claims sovereignty over Western Sahara and administers most of the territory. It proposes autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty but opposes independence for the region.

• Polisario Front / Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR): The main Sahrawi liberation movement advocating for full independence. Controls parts of the territory east of the Berm and operates a government-in-exile based in Tindouf, Algeria.

• Algeria: Supports the Polisario Front politically, militarily, and diplomatically. Algeria hosts Sahrawi refugees and is a regional rival of Morocco.

• Mauritania: Initially involved in the conflict but withdrew claims in 1979. It maintains a neutral stance but is affected by regional stability concerns.

• United Nations: Through MINURSO, the UN is the primary international actor attempting to monitor the ceasefire and organize a referendum on self-determination.

• African Union (AU): Recognizes the SADR as a member state and supports Sahrawi self-determination, contrasting with the position of some Arab and Western states.

• European Union (EU): Has significant economic ties with Morocco, including trade agreements that have sparked controversy over whether Western Sahara’s resources are included. The EU generally supports UN-led negotiations.

• United States: Historically supportive of Morocco, recently recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara under the Trump administration, a position that remains contentious internationally.

Bloc Positions

• Moroccan Bloc: Includes Morocco and its close allies, often supported by some Arab League members and certain Western countries prioritizing stability and counterterrorism cooperation. This bloc advocates for Moroccan sovereignty combined with autonomy for Western Sahara.

• Sahrawi/Algerian Bloc: Comprises the Polisario Front, Algeria, and countries aligned with the African Union’s recognition of the SADR. This bloc calls for full independence and self-determination through a UN-organized referendum.

• European and Western Bloc: Includes most EU member states and Western countries that officially support UN-led negotiations and a referendum but are cautious about antagonizing Morocco due to economic and strategic ties. Positions vary, with some countries more sympathetic to Sahrawi rights and others emphasizing regional stability.

• Non-Aligned / African States Bloc: Many African Union members support the SADR’s right to self-determination but also emphasize peaceful resolution and regional cooperation. Some African states prioritize adherence to decolonization principles.

Past UN Action

• Resolution 34/37 (1979): Called for a referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara.

• Resolution 690 (1991): Established MINURSO to monitor the ceasefire and organize a referendum.

• Resolution 1429 (2002): Reaffirmed the need for a political solution and supported the Secretary-General’s efforts.

• Resolution 2468 (2019): Extended MINURSO’s mandate and called for renewed negotiations without preconditions.

• Reports of the Secretary-General (annual): Provide updates on the situation, MINURSO operations, and political developments.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. What framework should be established to restart negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front?

2. How can the UN ensure the organization of a free, fair, and impartial referendum on self-determination?

3. What measures can be taken to improve the humanitarian situation for Sahrawi refugees and displaced persons?

4. How should the international community address natural resource exploitation in Western Sahara?

5. What role should MINURSO play moving forward, including potential mandates beyond ceasefire monitoring?

6. How can confidence-building measures between parties be enhanced to reduce tensions and prevent violence?

7. What mechanisms can be implemented to involve regional actors constructively in the peace process?

Further Reading

• UN Documents: Official Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, Secretary-General reports on Western Sahara, and MINURSO mandate renewals provide authoritative insights into the UN’s position and ongoing efforts.

• Think-Tank Reports: Analyses from institutions specializing in African geopolitics and conflict resolution (such as the International Crisis Group or the European Council on Foreign Relations) offer in-depth assessments of political dynamics, negotiation prospects, and regional implications.

• News Outlets: Reputable international and regional news sources (e.g., Al Jazeera, Reuters, BBC Africa) provide up-to-date coverage on developments, diplomatic initiatives, and humanitarian conditions, reflecting evolving on-the-ground realities.

This guide aims to equip delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the Western Sahara issue’s complexity, enabling informed debate and constructive resolution drafting in SPECPOL 2026.