Who Are the Polisario Front?
The Polisario Front is a movement founded in 1973 that seeks independence for the Sahara as the “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.” It is based in and backed by Algeria.
Origins
Formed to fight Spanish colonial rule, the Polisario turned its campaign toward Morocco and Mauritania after 1975, operating from camps near Tindouf in Algeria.
It declared a government-in-exile that controls no major city.
Today
The Polisario holds a thin strip of desert east of Morocco's defensive berm and depends heavily on Algerian support.
Its claim is recognized by some states but rejected or frozen by many others, including a growing list backing Morocco.
Frequently asked
Where is the Polisario based?
In the Tindouf camps in western Algeria.
What territory does it control?
A sparsely populated buffer strip east of the Moroccan berm.
See it on the map: explore the full territory of Morocco — coast to Sahara — on our interactive map of Morocco →