Polisario Front
Sahrawi independence movement contesting Morocco's control of Western Sahara; founded in 1973.
The Polisario Front told the UN Security Council on 22 October 2026 that a US draft reshaping the MINURSO mission could not be a basis for talks, and warned it would disengage if the draft passed unchanged.
Last refreshed: 26 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Will the Polisario quit UN talks if MINURSO's mandate is rewritten?
Timeline for Polisario Front
Mentioned in: EDGE Group sells Morocco drone bombs
Drones: Industry & DefenceBackground
Allegations of Moroccan drone strikes east of the berm in Western Sahara appear in a UN report of October 2023, which says a November 2022 strike reportedly killed six civilians, citing Polisario and local media. The report resurfaced in October 2026 coverage of Morocco's drone build-up, which named the Polisario Front.
Formed on 10 May 1973, the movement fought Morocco and Mauritania after Spain left the territory, and proclaimed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in 1976. It is based in the refugee camps around Tindouf, Algeria. A UN-monitored Ceasefire held from 1991 until November 2020, when the Polisario said it was resuming armed struggle.
UN Security Council Resolution 2797 of October 2025 called for talks on the basis of Morocco's 2007 autonomy plan. On 22 October 2026 the Polisario told the Council that a US draft reshaping the UN mission, MINURSO, predetermined the outcome of talks and could not be a basis for them. It warned it would disengage if the draft passed unchanged.
What is the Polisario Front?
When did the Western Sahara ceasefire end?
Why does the Polisario Front reject the US draft on MINURSO?
What did the UN say about Moroccan drone strikes in Western Sahara?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 26 October 2026. Editorial standards.