Western Sahara

noun

1. a region in northwestern Africa on the Atlantic coast, bounded by Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania: a former Spanish province comprising Río de Oro and Saguia el Hamra 1884–1976; divided between Morocco and Mauritania 1976; claimed entirely by Morocco 1979, but still under dispute. About 102,700 square miles (266,000 square kilometers).

Western Sahara

noun

1. a disputed region of NW Africa, on the Atlantic: mainly desert; rich phosphate deposits; a Spanish overseas province from 1958 to 1975; partitioned in 1976 between Morocco and Mauritania who faced growing resistance from the Polisario Front, an organization aiming for the independence of the region as the Democratic Saharan Arab Republic. Mauritania renounced its claim in 1979 and it was taken over by Morocco. Polisario agreed to a UN-brokered ceasefire in 1991 but attempts to settle the status of the region have failed. Pop: 538 811 (2013 est). Area: 266 000 sq km (102 680 sq miles) Former name (until 1975)Spanish Sahara

Example Sentences

The row comes at a time of worsening tensions between Algeria and France, triggered by President Emmanuel Macron’s recent recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

From BBC

America recognised Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara in exchange for Rabat signing the Abraham Accords and thereby recognising Israel.

From BBC

Macron's invitation to Morocco came from King Mohammed VI, two months after his royal court hailed France's change of heart on Western Sahara as a "significant" development.

From BBC

Western Sahara is a former Spanish colony annexed by Morocco in 1975.

From Seattle Times

Advocate General Tamara Capeta said in press release Thursday that it did “not fulfill the requirement to treat the territory of Western Sahara as ‘separate and distinct’ from that of the Kingdom of Morocco.”

From Seattle Times