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A territory rich in phosphate and natural gas, divided by historical conflicts, absent from global statistics and with millions of landmines: understand why Western Sahara is the most controversial area in Africa.
When you look at a map of Africa, do you notice something intriguing? There’s one area that often appears unnamed or with a dotted line indicating uncertainty: Western Sahara. This territory, about the size of the United Kingdom, has a history marked by conflict, geopolitics and coveted natural resources. But what really makes it one of the most mysterious areas in Africa?
What is Western Sahara?
Western Sahara it's located on the northwest coast of Africa, bordering Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania. Despite being vast, much of it is dominated by arid deserts. The peculiarity of the territory lies in the fact that it is divided between Moroccan control (80%) and the Polisario Front (20%), an organization that represents the indigenous Sahrawi people. Separating the areas is the famous “Berm”, a sand wall full of landmines, symbolizing the hostility of the conflict.
A decades-long historic conflict
The origins of the dispute date back to the colonial period, when Spain ruled the territory, known as Spanish Sahara. With decolonization in the 20th century, the Polisario Front emerged as a force seeking independence. However, Morocco claimed the area as part of its historical territory, leading to decades of armed conflict.
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The turning point was the ruling by the International Court of Justice, which declared that the Sahrawis had the right to self-determination. Despite this, Morocco launched the Green March in 1975, pressuring Spain to cede the land. Since then, the region has been in a stalemate, with the UN trying to mediate a referendum that never took place.
The economic and geopolitical impact
In addition to the territorial conflict, Western Sahara is a strategic location due to its natural resources. The region has vast reserves of phosphate, used in agriculture, and offshore natural gas, which attract the interest of major powers. Morocco recently signed agreements to exploit these reserves, heightening tensions with the Polisario Front and Algeria.
The “Berm” also reflects the human cost and military aspect of the conflict. With millions of landmines and outposts, the area has become one of the most militarized scenarios in Africa.
Why is Western Sahara missing from maps?
The absence of Western Sahara’s name on maps is a reflection of its political ambiguity. Most maps avoid labeling the territory so as not to take a position on the dispute. The dotted line marking the border with Morocco is a visual reminder that the region’s status is far from settled.
The lack of global data makes it difficult to include Western Sahara in economic and demographic analyses. With an incalculable GDP and a population living in refugee camps, the region has become an information “black hole.”
Future of the region
Although the UN brokered a ceasefire in the 1990s, tensions persist. The influence of powers such as the US and Israel, which recognize Moroccan control, contrasts with the support of Algeria and Russia for the Polisario Front. A resolution to the conflict depends not only on regional negotiations, but also on international pressure to respect human rights and self-determination.
Western Sahara is a reminder that the struggle for justice and identity can be as vast as the desert that defines it. Will this land one day cease to be a blank spot on the world map and will become a symbol of resilience and peace?
