Analysis of natural resources management and exploitation during conflict : the case of Western Sahara (2018-2020)

• Abstract :

Having completed the research project ‘Territorial policies and processes of colonisation/decolonisation in the Western Sahara’, we have reached a number of conclusions. One of these is that the stagnation of the conflict has come to an end and that the role of the actors in the content and forms of the claims has changed. These new ways of looking at the Saharawi people’s sovereignty over their territory are based on the recognition of their right to use and exploit the natural resources on their territory. Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory under Moroccan occupation, which exploits and manages these resources (fishing, agriculture and phosphates).

The enquiry aims to answer three questions:

1) How has this change occurred in the Saharawi people’s demands for their right to a process of self-determination, traditionally managed by the Polisario Front, to a greater demand and defence of their right to the exploitation of the natural resources found on their territory or, at least, to be consulted and to benefit from its exploitation?

2) Why is this change taking place?

3) Which players are involved and/or benefiting from this process?