Western Sahara conflict: Morocco’s military edge challenges Polisario’s resilience
The death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a prominent figure in the Sahrawi army and son of a former Polisario leader, has starkly exposed the harsh realities on the ground. Killed in a precision strike during a withdrawal operation, his death adds to the growing toll of drone-related casualties over recent years. This unmistakable technological gap between Morocco’s advanced weaponry and the Polisario’s outdated equipment—often relying on modified Spanish Land Rovers—has left the independence movement militarily overwhelmed.
Despite these crushing military disparities, the Polisario continues to cling to dialogue as a strategic option. Abdoullah Arabi, the group’s representative in Spain, insists that the movement ‘is accustomed to engaging in dialogue under all circumstances,’ refusing to dismiss bilateral talks entirely. This contradictory stance was recently reiterated following a statement from Brahim Ghali, the Polisario’s secretary-general, who called for peaceful cooperation with neighboring countries, including Morocco, while still demanding adherence to United Nations resolutions.
This tactical inconsistency stems from increasing international isolation. As global interest in the conflict wanes due to its limited geostrategic significance, Morocco has successfully secured backing from major Western powers such as the United States and France. Even Spain reversed its position in 2022, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most viable solution. This shift drew sharp criticism from Abdoullah Arabi, who condemned the perceived double standards in Spain’s approach when Sahrawi lives are at stake.
Geographically, this isolation manifests in a formidable obstacle: the fortified sand wall constructed in the 1980s. Stretching across the 250,000-square-kilometer region, this barrier divides the territory, confining Polisario forces to just 20% of the inland area while Morocco maintains tight control over the coastal regions. Despite the resilience championed by activists like Aminatou Haidar, local knowledge of the desert terrain no longer offsets Morocco’s overwhelming military advantage.