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PoliticsAfrica

Western Sahara dispute: Morocco's gamble won global support

Janina Semenova | Philipp Barth
December 2, 2025

Morocco sees Western Sahara as its own territory, while the Polisario Front seeks an independent state called the Sahrawi Republic. But in recent years Morocco has gained global backing over its claims.

https://p.dw.com/p/53wy7

For nearly 50 years, Western Sahara has been at the heart of one of Africa's most enduring territorial disputes. Morocco's claim over the region faced global skepticism—until a calculated mix of diplomacy, resource leverage, and strategic alliances began to turn the tide.

From phosphate diplomacy across Africa to a landmark deal with the United States under Donald Trump, Morocco has steadily reshaped international opinion. Today, even former colonial powers and the UN Security Council lean toward Rabat’s vision. Discussing the Polisario Front and Algeria’s opposition to Morocco's ties with Israel and Europe, this deep dive reveals how Rabat’s long game reshaped geopolitics—and what it means for the Sahrawi people.

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DW correspondent and author Janina Semenova
Janina Semenova German journalist and editor with a special focus on Russia
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