This paper analyzes the transformation of the Sahrawi pro-independence movement’s strategy from one based on armed struggle and diplomacy to one based on civilian-led nonviolent resistance, led by Sahrawis living inside the occupied territory and in southern Morocco. Part One offers an overview of the political history of the conflict over Western Sahara, chronicling the rise of Sahrawi nationalism and armed resistance offered by the Polisario national liberation movement against colonial powers. Part Two discusses the failure of traditional diplomacy, including UN mediation, to resolve the conflict over the Western Sahara. Morocco has systematically obstructed UN efforts to organize a referendum on whether the Western Sahara should be independent or part of Morocco, while intensifying its repressive grip over the occupied territory.

The relatively nonviolent popular uprising launched in May 2005, this article argues, reflects a new asymmetric resistance strategy between talking and killing that has re-focused international attention on a conflict that has destabilized this important geo-strategic region for three decades. The Conclusions assess the factors that will determine how nonviolent resistance could achieve success as a method of national liberation in the Sahrawi struggle. In particular, it will focus on the importance of unity, nonviolent discipline, and strategic planning to advance the objectives of the Sahrawi self-determination movement.

Maria Stephan and Jacob Mundy