Polisario

[ poh-li-sahr-ee-oh ]

noun

1. an independence movement opposing Moroccan control of the Western Sahara, a former Spanish territory that Morocco annexed in stages beginning in 1976.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Polisario¹

< Spanish ( Frente ) Po ( pular para la ) Li ( beración de ) Sa ( gnia el-Hamra y ) Rí ( o de ) O ( ro ) Popular Front for the Liberation of Sagnia El-Hamra and Río de Oro

Example Sentences

It was once a Spanish colony, and is now mostly controlled by Morocco and partly by the Algerian-backed Polisario Front - which says it represents the indigenous Sahrawi people and wants an independent state.

From BBC

The Polisario Front, meanwhile, has hit out at France for supporting what it says is a "violent and illegal occupation" by Morocco.

From BBC

The United Nations brokered a cease-fire between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front, which is supported by Algeria, that held until four years ago.

From Seattle Times

The court in 2021 ruled the agreement violated the rights of people from the disputed territory and the Polisario Front, which Europe considers the representatives of the Sahrawi people.

From Seattle Times

The one-time Spanish colony has been fought over between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front since Spain withdrew in 1975.

From Seattle Times