ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a meaningful analysis of the Western Sahara quest for self-determination deriving from its historical roots and speculations over its future. It provides an account of the process of the foundation of Western Sahara under Spanish colonialism that began in 1884. Following this, claims by Morocco over the territory will be succinctly presented. This is followed by an account of the process of the annexation of the Western Sahara by Morocco. Further, the chapter presents the contradicting claims of both Morocco and the Polisario Front over the territory. Finally, it looks at the recent features of the stalemate the Western Saharan case has reached and reviews possible solutions to the conflict. The Saharawi quest for self-determination was badly handled by Spain through its failure to complete its decolonisation mandate by setting up a referendum that would guarantee the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination in conformity with United Nations resolutions.
