Why has violence broken out in Western Sahara?
Why has violence broken out in Western Sahara? The long-simmering conflict was ready to erupt at any moment, because of the lack of a political solution for the disputed territory which Morocco annexed almost 30 years ago. Thirty-three youths were arrested by Moroccan authorities last week for taking part in riots in the territory’s main city of Laayoune, ostensibly in reaction to the transfer of a prisoner from there to Morocco proper. But Moroccan flags were burnt, and the provincial governor accused the rioters of having a political agenda. The Polisario Front, which is threatening to rekindle the armed struggle in its campaign for independence for Western Sahara, described the riots as an “uprising”. What do the people of Western Sahara want? It is widely assumed that if a referendum on self-determination were held under UN auspices, in line with an internationally approved plan, there would be a majority in favour. However, Morocco has powerful allies, there has been much ado over
