Polisario admits Moroccan territorial gains in Moroccan Sahara

Polisario’s UN representative, Mohamed Amar, admitted that Morocco has reclaimed over 40 kilometers of territory previously under Polisario control since late 2020 during a closed-door meeting held in the Tindouf refugee camps on January 3-4.

This territorial shift follows Morocco’s response to Polisario’s unilateral withdrawal from the 1991 ceasefire agreement, effectively declaring war. 

The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces (FAR) have successfully pushed back Polisario forces, significantly reducing the area they claim as “liberated.” 

In 2022, former Polisario military coordinator Mohamed Ibrahim Biadillah, issued a warning about the growing Moroccan presence east of the sand wall.

The meeting in Tindouf also underscored the declining international support for Polisario’s independence bid. 

Amar pointed to the United States, under the Bush administration, as an opponent of an independent Sahrawi state since 2008. He further criticized the current UN balance of power, particularly citing France as an unfavorable actor. 

The internal tensions within Polisario were also evident at the meeting. Said Zarwal, a Sahrawi from Sweden, publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the leadership of Brahim Ghali, highlighting the movement’s weakened position and internal divisions. 

The reclaiming of 30 kilometers of territory is not Morocco’s sole victory. Morocco has achieved significant diplomatic wins in its long-standing dispute with the Polisario Front over the Moroccan Sahara. 

In recent months, several countries have reaffirmed their support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as a viable solution to the conflict. 

Notably, Spain, the United States, and key African nations have endorsed the proposal, recognizing its potential for stability and development in the region. 

Morocco’s diplomatic efforts have also led to the opening of consulates by multiple nations in Dakhla and Laayoune, signaling recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory. 

The African Union has witnessed growing support for Morocco’s stance, with many members discouraging Polisario’s separatist agenda. 

Morocco has leveraged economic partnerships and renewable energy projects to strengthen ties with influential countries, solidifying its position internationally.