XIX.

Western Sahara

Western Sahara is occupied by Morocco, although many Western Saharans are seeking independence for the region. A rebel group called the Polisario Front fought Moroccan forces for 15 years until agreeing to a United Nations-administered ceasefire in 1991. Since that time the United Nations has been working with the two sides to hold a referendum on self-determination, but a dispute over who should be allowed to vote has caused it to be delayed repeatedly.