The Madrid Accords and Spain's Withdrawal
Signed on 14 November 1975, the Madrid Accords ended Spanish colonial rule and transferred administration of the territory to Morocco and Mauritania, setting the stage for today's dispute.
What was agreed
Spain agreed to leave by February 1976 and hand administration to Morocco and Mauritania. Mauritania later renounced its share in 1979.
The accords are read very differently by the parties — as a transfer of sovereignty by Morocco, as merely administrative by others.
Why it still matters
Every legal argument about the territory traces back to 1975. The accords explain why Morocco administers the land today.
They also explain why the status remains contested at the UN.
Frequently asked
Did Spain transfer sovereignty?
Morocco says yes; critics say only administration. The legal debate continues.
What did Mauritania do?
It withdrew its claim in 1979.
See it on the map: explore the full territory of Morocco — coast to Sahara — on our interactive map of Morocco →