Cracks in the Facade: Is the Polisario Front Facing Internal Collapse?
The Polisario Front, a Sahrawi liberation movement, is facing a wave of internal strife, raising concerns about its future and the ongoing Western Sahara conflict. The Forum for Support of Autonomy in Tindouf Camps, known as “Forsatin,” recently reported that heated debates and disagreements within the Polisario leadership are reaching a fever pitch.
While the specifics of these internal disputes remain shrouded in secrecy, Forsatin suggests they revolve around the leadership style of Brahim Ghali, the Polisario Front’s Secretary General since 2016. Critics within the movement accuse Ghali of authoritarianism and a lack of transparency, further fueling discontent.
This internal turmoil comes at a critical juncture for the Polisario Front. The decades-long conflict with Morocco over Western Sahara has seen renewed tensions in recent years. The breakdown of a ceasefire in 2020, coupled with Morocco’s increasing international recognition as the legitimate authority over Western Sahara, has put the Polisario Front on the defensive.
The internal divisions threaten to weaken the Polisario Front’s position even further. A fractured leadership could hinder their ability to present a united front in negotiations, potentially undermining their quest for self-determination.
The situation in the Tindouf camps, where thousands of Sahrawi refugees have resided for decades, adds another layer of complexity. The camps, located in Algeria, are heavily reliant on international aid, and the Polisario Front’s ability to provide for its people is increasingly strained.
The unfolding situation within the Polisario Front has far-reaching implications. It not only impacts the lives of the Sahrawi people directly but also has the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape of North Africa. As internal tensions simmer, the world watches to see if the Polisario Front can weather this storm or if it will succumb to internal fracture.
