When did Morocco take over Western Sahara?

1975
Western Sahara is a sparsely-populated area of mostly desert situated on the northwest coast of Africa. A former Spanish colony, it was annexed by Morocco in 1975. Since then it has been the subject of a long-running territorial dispute between Morocco and its indigenous Saharawi people, led by the Polisario Front.

How did Western Sahara and Morocco conflict start?

The conflict originated from an insurgency by the Polisario Front against Spanish colonial forces from 1973 to 1975 and the subsequent Western Sahara War against Morocco between 1975 and 1991. The conflict escalated after the withdrawal of Spain from the Spanish Sahara in accordance with the Madrid Accords.

Does Morocco have a right to occupy the Western Sahara?

Mauritania withdrew its claims in 1979, and Morocco eventually secured de facto control of most of the territory, including all major cities and most natural resources. Until 2020, no other member state of the United Nations had ever officially recognized Moroccan sovereignty over parts of Western Sahara.

Who did Western Sahara gain independence from?

In 1912, Morocco itself became a protectorate of Spain and France. When Morocco gained its independence in the 1950s, the country also restated its claims over the still Spanish Western Sahara.

Who colonized Morocco?

The French Protectorate consisted of a majority, about nine-tenths, of Morocco. France controlled the Moroccan land to the south of the Spanish Protectorate. The capital city of the French Protectorate was Rabat (History of Morocco to the Present Day, Moroccansands.com).

Why did Mauritania leave Western Sahara?

In 1979, Mauritania withdrew from the conflict after signing a peace treaty with the Polisario Front. Today most of the territory of Western Sahara is under Moroccan occupation, while the inland parts are governed by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, managed by the Polisario Front.

Are Algeria and Morocco friends?

The breakup of diplomatic relations between Algeria and Morocco in August is the product of a long history of tension. The two nations have never had long periods of friendship, notwithstanding the many factors that bring them together. Relations between the Algerian and Moroccan governments have seldom been cordial.

Why did France invade Morocco?

Motivation. Like most imperializing countries, the Spanish and French wanted to colonize Morocco because they wanted power. Feelings of nationalism made people proud of all that their country had achieved. France had already taken control of Algeria, which borders Morocco, and wanted to take over Morocco as well.