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{{Short description|Ongoing armed conflict in the disputed region of Western Sahara}}
{{pp-protected|small=yes}}
{{Update|date=June 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict          = 2020–2024 Western Saharan clashes
| partof            = the [[Western Sahara conflict]]
| image             = 2020 Western Saharan clashes.png
| image_size        = 300px
| caption           = Map of the Western Sahara; location of [[Guerguerat]], where the clashes began, is marked with a red circle.
| date              = {{Start date|2020|11|13|df=y}} – present<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=11|day1=13|year1=2020}})
| place             = [[Moroccan Western Sahara Wall]] (Berm)
| width             = 300px
| coordinates       = {{coord|21|25|34|N|16|57|31|W|region:EH|display=inline,title}}
| territory         = {{nobr|Morocco secures [[Guerguerat]] border crossing<ref name="ICG"/>}}
| status            = [[List of ongoing armed conflicts|Ongoing]]
| combatant1        = {{flag|Morocco|name=Kingdom of Morocco}}
| combatant2        = {{flag|Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic}}
| commander1        = {{plainlist|
* {{flagicon|Morocco}} '''[[Mohammed VI of Morocco|Mohammed VI]]'''
* {{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Abdellatif Loudiyi]]
* {{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Saadeddine Othmani]] (until 2021)
* {{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Aziz Akhannouch]] (since 2021)
* {{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Abdelfattah Louarak]] (until 2021)
* {{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Belkhir El Farouk]] (2021–23)
* {{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Mohammed Berrid]] (since 2023)
}}
| commander2        = {{plainlist|
* {{flagicon|SADR}} '''[[Brahim Ghali]]'''
* {{flagicon|SADR}} [[Mohamed Wali Akeik]]
* {{flagicon|SADR}} [[Abdelkader Taleb Omar]]
* {{flagicon|SADR}} [[Bouchraya Hammoudi Bayoun]]
}}
| units1            = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.svg}} [[Royal Moroccan Armed Forces]]
| units2            = {{flagdeco|SADR}} [[Sahrawi People's Liberation Army]]
| strength1         = 
| strength2         = 
| casualties1       = At least 6 soldiers killed<ref name="France 24 2021">{{cite web | title=Why is the Western Sahara conflict heating up? | website=France 24 | date=6 Nov 2021 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211106-why-is-the-western-sahara-conflict-heating-up | access-date=23 Jul 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-03|title=Sahara occidental: trois Algériens tués dans un bombardement attribué au Maroc|url=https://www.lexpress.fr/actualites/1/monde/sahara-occidental-trois-algeriens-tues-dans-un-bombardement-attribue-au-maroc_2161671.html|access-date=2021-11-04|website=LExpress.fr|language=fr}}</ref><ref name="ICG">{{Cite web|date=11 March 2021|title=Time for International Re-engagement in Western Sahara|url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/north-africa/western-sahara/b82-time-international-re-engagement-western-sahara|access-date=2 April 2021|website=Crisis Group|language=en|archive-date=10 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410091840/https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/north-africa/western-sahara/b82-time-international-re-engagement-western-sahara|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Efn|Number of victims according to the [[International Crisis Group]] during the first week of combat. The [[United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara]] has decided, at present, not to share information on the victims or the injured, according to its spokesperson.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General {{!}} Meetings Coverage and Press Releases|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/db201117.doc.htm|access-date=11 April 2021|website=www.un.org|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124073306/https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/db201117.doc.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| casualties2       = At least 12 soldiers killed<ref>{{Cite web|date=14 April 2021|title=Regional Overview: Africa {{!}} 3–9 April 2021|url=https://acleddata.com/2021/04/14/regional-overview-africa3-9-april-2021/|access-date=5 September 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819023325/https://acleddata.com/2021/04/14/regional-overview-africa3-9-april-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| casualties3       = 66 killed overall ({{As of|2023|July|df=|lc=y|alt=|since=|url=|pre=|post=|bare=}})<ref>{{cite web | url=https://acleddata.com/dashboard/#/dashboard | title=ACLED Dashboard }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/mundo/2020-11-14/polisario-declara-fuego-prepara-guerra-marruecos_2832603/ | title=Marruecos reconoce "hostigamientos" del Frente Polisario, pero sin víctimas mortales | date=14 November 2020 }}</ref>
| notes             = {{notelist}}
| campaignbox       = {{Campaignbox Western Sahara conflict}}
}}

Clashes between military forces belonging to the [[Morocco|Kingdom of Morocco]] and the self-proclaimed [[Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic]] (SADR), represented at the United Nations by the [[Polisario Front]], broke out in the disputed region of [[Western Sahara]] in November 2020. It was the latest escalation of an [[Western Sahara conflict|unresolved conflict over the region]], which is largely [[Southern Provinces|occupied by Morocco]], but 20–25% is [[Liberated Territories|administered by the SADR]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sáhara Occidental – cuadro zonas mapa político-militar |language=es |url=http://suevia2008.googlepages.com/CUADROZONASDIVISINDELSHARAOCCIDENTAL.pdf |access-date=14 November 2020 |archive-date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407173125/https://ccc24f5d-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/suevia2008/CUADROZONASDIVISINDELSHARAOCCIDENTAL.pdf?attachauth=ANoY7cpRY52nN7JujiSFykJ47rEME350nsYIT9G9bC0zqR8oGDkSQ5vhMsoZRkH2RkakwlJedlPwUKsAv5gGK2TN09VcpQvRfe8t7YmrlfFQTckpO_XtZFqz9CQxYTjmPQUzo8YCkL_R_4DJaJaCdMlzuN4a8S56H-LI1sKUGsQoztQY2H2jOgY7qP6vh5HBSWfTrJwda-jVZwrUkP7MMq3gTHyvTrc2iD8Ykpz90SfXyULFge3r3XbaJHRsDF-cny2u9Zu3bUwo&attredirects=0 |url-status=live}}</ref> The violence ended a ceasefire between the opposing sides that had held for 29 years in anticipation of a referendum of self-determination that would have settled the dispute. Despite the establishment of the [[United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara]] in 1991, the referendum was never held.

Tensions between Morocco and the Polisario Front deepened in mid-October 2020 when [[Sahrawis|Sahrawi]] peaceful protesters blocked a controversial road connecting [[Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara]] to [[sub-Saharan Africa]]. The protesters camped on the road near the small village of [[Guerguerat]], where it passes through a 5-kilometre-wide buffer strip [[United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara|monitored by the UN]]. Despite the controversy, the route had grown in economic importance,<ref name="vitaltrade"/> such that the protest stranded about 200 Moroccan truck drivers on the Mauritanian side of the border.<ref name="truckdrivers"/> According to the MINURSO, both Morocco and Polisario deployed forces near the area in late October,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Guterres |first=António |date=1 October 2021 |title=Situation concerning Western Sahara |url=https://minurso.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/unsg_report_october_2021.pdf}}</ref> with Mauritanian forces reinforcing their positions along its border with Morocco, which is controlled by the Polisario Front.<ref name="mauritanianreinforcement"/>

On 13 November, Morocco launched a military operation from the [[Moroccan Berm|Berm]] into the demilitarized buffer strip of Western Sahara to clear the protesters near Guerguerat and restore the free movement of goods and people. The Polisario Front urged the United Nations to intervene, noting that the Moroccan military operation violated the ceasefire agreements of the 1990s, and furthermore accused the Moroccan security forces of shooting at unarmed civilians in the buffer strip.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/mauritania-morocco-armed-forces-blockades-western-sahara-32f10d1e9724668175eede89033fe7cf |title=Morocco launches military operation in Western Sahara |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=[[Associated Press]] |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114141324/https://apnews.com/article/mauritania-morocco-armed-forces-blockades-western-sahara-32f10d1e9724668175eede89033fe7cf |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The New York Times 2020">{{cite web |last=Dahir |first=Abdi Latif |date=13 November 2020 |title=Morocco Launches Military Operation in Western Sahara Buffer Zone |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/13/world/middleeast/morocco-military-operation-western-sahara.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118002603/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/13/world/middleeast/morocco-military-operation-western-sahara.html |archive-date=18 November 2020 |access-date=17 November 2020 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> Morocco denied there had been any armed clashes between the sides and said the truce remained in place,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/13/morocco-launches-operation-in-western-sahara-border-zone |title=Morocco troops launch operation in Western Sahara border zone |work=Al Jazeera |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114103328/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/13/morocco-launches-operation-in-western-sahara-border-zone |url-status=live}}</ref> while SADR authorities declared the ceasefire over. Clashes spread that same day along the [[Moroccan Western Sahara Wall|Moroccan Berm]], with Morocco claiming that it had repelled a Sahrawi incursion near [[Al Mahbes]].<ref>{{Cite news |first=Souhail |last=Karam |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-13/morocco-moves-army-to-end-western-sahara-blockade-le360-reports |title=Military Clashes Erupt in Western Sahara After 30-Year Truce |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]] |language=en }}</ref> The SADR declared war on Morocco the next day.<ref name="wardeclared">{{Cite web |url=https://www.axios.com/western-sahara-end-independence-truce-morocco-b97f386e-6ca3-45fb-aefe-13656f37f54d.html |title=Western Sahara independence group declares war on Morocco |work=[[Axios (website)|Axios]] |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114234625/https://www.axios.com/western-sahara-end-independence-truce-morocco-b97f386e-6ca3-45fb-aefe-13656f37f54d.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Since the beginning of the conflict, both countries have begun mass mobilisation and the SADR Ministry of Defense claims to be carrying out daily bombardments on military objectives along the Moroccan Berm.<ref name="mormobil"/><ref name="wsjstart">{{Cite web |last=Malsin |first=Jared |date=15 November 2020 |title=Morocco Forces Clash With Western Sahara Fighters, Risking Wider War |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/morocco-forces-clash-with-western-sahara-fighters-risking-wider-war-11605450129 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116015624/https://www.wsj.com/articles/morocco-forces-clash-with-western-sahara-fighters-risking-wider-war-11605450129 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Los ataques del ELPS prosiguen contra las fuerzas enemigas a lo largo del Muro de la Vergüenza |url=https://www.spsrasd.info/news/es/articles/2020/12/22/29941.html |website=Sahara Press Service |language=es |date=22 December 2020 |access-date=23 December 2020 |archive-date=23 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223143102/https://www.spsrasd.info/news/es/articles/2020/12/22/29941.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It is the first major clash in the region since 1991.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1762466/middle-east |title=Moroccan army launches operation in Western Sahara border zone |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=[[Arab News]] |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114141349/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1762466/middle-east |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Background==
{{Further|Western Sahara conflict|Western Sahara War}}
=== Western Sahara War ===
[[File:Western sahara walls moroccan map-en.svg|thumb|left|[[Moroccan Western Sahara Wall|Moroccan walls]] in the territory of [[Western Sahara]], during the [[Western Sahara war]] (1975-1991). In yellow, the territory under control by the [[Polisario Front]]]]

The disputed region of [[Western Sahara]] is a sparsely-populated area mostly comprising desert territories, situated in the [[Maghreb]] region of Africa's northwest coast. The region was a [[Spanish Sahara|Spanish colony]] until February 1976, when the Spanish government informed the United Nations that it withdrew from the territory. Since then, the region has been the subject of a [[Western Sahara conflict|long-running territorial dispute]] between [[Morocco]], supported by a number of its prominent Arab allies, including [[Saudi Arabia]] and [[Jordan]],<ref name="martinez"/> and the [[Saharawi Republic]] (SADR), an [[African Union]] member state established by the Algerian-backed pro-independence [[Polisario Front]], which is recognized by the United Nations as the legitimate representative of the indigenous [[Sahrawi people]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201016-algeria-western-sahara-conflict-is-a-colonialism-issue/ |title=Algeria: Western Sahara conflict is a colonialism issue |date=16 October 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |work=[[Middle East Monitor]] |language=en |archive-date=6 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106035047/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201016-algeria-western-sahara-conflict-is-a-colonialism-issue/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Some commentators have connected Morocco's interests over the region with the idea of [[Greater Morocco]], which encompasses Western Sahara and parts of both Mauritania, [[Mali]], and Algeria, and according to the narrative, was divided up by the French and Spanish colonizers.<ref name="martinez"/> Morocco, claiming [[Tindouf Province|Tindouf]] and [[Bechar Province|Béchar]] provinces, invaded Algeria in 1963, resulting in the brief [[Sand War]], which ended in a military stalemate.<ref>{{Cite book |first=Alexander |last=Mikaberidze |author-link=Alexander Mikaberidze |title=Conflict and Conquest in the Islamic World: A Historical Encyclopedia |date=31 July 2011 |volume=1 |quote=Within weeks the war ended in stalemate |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WjQfo3a1eVMC&pg=PA797 |page=197 |publisher=Abc-Clio |isbn=9781598843361 |access-date=19 November 2020 |archive-date=20 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820011037/https://books.google.com/books?id=WjQfo3a1eVMC&pg=PA797 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:MINURSO Deployment (April 2014).png|thumb|The official United Nations map of the [[MINURSO]] peacekeeping mission shows that the border crossing at [[Guerguerat]] is not among the recognized locations to cross the [[Moroccan Berm]].]]

While the [[Polisario Front]] had waged a low-intensity [[war of national liberation]] against Spanish colonial authorities since May 1973, the [[Western Sahara War]] began in October 1975, just weeks before the death of long-time Spanish dictator [[Francisco Franco]], when Moroccan and Mauritanian forces,<ref>{{Cite journal |first=John |last=Damis |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4326560 |title=The Western Sahara Conflict: Myths and Realities |volume=37 |number=2 |year=1983 |access-date=19 November 2020 |journal=Middle East Journal |pages=169–179 |publisher=Middle East Institute |jstor=4326560 |language=en |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609222841/https://www.jstor.org/stable/4326560 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |first=János |last=Besenyő |url=http://real.mtak.hu/83785/1/2010_TR_Special_Issue.pdf |title=The Occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco and Mauritania |date=January 2010 |access-date=19 November 2020 |language=en |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609223059/http://real.mtak.hu/83785/1/2010_TR_Special_Issue.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> aided by France,<ref>{{cite book|first=Stephen|last=Zunes|title=Western Sahara: War, Nationalism, and Conflict Irresolution|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6XzuIbQAXUIC&pg=PA75|date=4 August 2010|publisher=Syracuse University Press|isbn=978-0-8156-5258-8|pages=75–79|access-date=16 November 2020|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609225028/https://books.google.com/books?id=6XzuIbQAXUIC&pg=PA75|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=David|last=Sorenson|title=Interpreting the Middle East: Essential Themes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hUtWDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT222|date=19 April 2018|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-429-97933-0|pages=222–223|access-date=16 November 2020|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609225030/https://books.google.com/books?id=hUtWDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT222|url-status=live}}</ref> invaded the Spanish colony. While Mauritania withdrew from Western Sahara and recognized the [[Saharawi Republic]] early in the conflict, by the end of the war Morocco had obtained control of more than two-thirds of the vast desert territory in its western part, along the Atlantic Ocean.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.africanews.com/2020/11/13/military-tensions-rise-in-morocco-polisario-western-sahara-conflict/ |title=Military Tensions Rise in Morocco-Polisario Western Sahara Conflict |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |work=[[Africanews]] |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114015355/https://www.africanews.com/2020/11/13/military-tensions-rise-in-morocco-polisario-western-sahara-conflict/ |url-status=live}}</ref> During the war, between 1980 and 1987, Morocco built [[Moroccan Western Sahara Wall|six mostly sand barriers]] some {{convert|2700|km|mi}} long,<ref>{{Cite web |first=Amal |last=Belalloufi |url=https://news.yahoo.com/life-behind-sahara-desert-wall-shame-182354437.html |title=Life behind the Sahara desert 'wall of shame' |date=7 February 2017 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[Yahoo News]] |language=en |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609222953/https://news.yahoo.com/life-behind-sahara-desert-wall-shame-182354437.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and in 1988, both Morocco and the Polisario Front agreed to a [[Settlement Plan|UN Settlement Plan]], approved by the UN Security Council on 29 April 1991, called for a referendum, which would ask the Sahrawis to choose between independence or integration into Morocco, to be organized and conducted by the [[United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara]] (MINURSO).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/reports/1995/Wsahara.htm |title=The United Nations Operation in the Western Sahara |date=1 October 1995 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[Human Rights Watch]] |language=en |archive-date=18 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018112444/https://www.hrw.org/reports/1995/Wsahara.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> After the war, on 6 September 1991, an UN-brokered ceasefire was signed,<ref>{{Cite web |first=Salma |last=Abdelaziz |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/11/10/western.sahara.morocco.clashes/index.html |title=Deadly clashes reported in disputed Western Sahara |date=10 November 2010 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[CNN News]] |language=en |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116045110/https://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/11/10/western.sahara.morocco.clashes/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> promising a referendum on self-determination to the Sahrawis.<ref name="CNNback">{{Cite web |first1=Sharif |last1=Paget |first2=Mitchell |last2=McCluskey |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/11/10/western.sahara.morocco.clashes/index.html |title=Deadly clashes reported in disputed Western Sahara |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[CNN News]] |language=en |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116045110/https://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/11/10/western.sahara.morocco.clashes/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The United Nations has recognising the area as a [[non-self-governing territory]] since 1963; it is also the only African territory on the list, making the Western Sahara the [[Decolonisation of Africa|last African territory subject to decolonization]].<ref name="CNNback"/><ref name="Non-Self-Governing Territories">{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/dppa/decolonization/en/nsgt |title=Non-Self-Governing Territories |website=United Nations |access-date=25 November 2020 |archive-date=3 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503010846/https://www.un.org/dppa/decolonization/en/nsgt |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the efforts, the planned referendum has been repeatedly delayed ever since then;<ref>{{Cite journal |first=Amal |last=Belalloufi |url=http://north-africa.com/2020/11/the-western-sahara-conflict-reignites/ |title=The Western Sahara conflict reignites |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |journal=[[North Africa Journal|The North Africa Journal]] |language=en |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609223132/http://north-africa.com/2020/11/the-western-sahara-conflict-reignites/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Morocco had refused the terms of the referendum, citing its dissatisfaction with who was allowed to vote,<ref>{{Cite web |first=Andrei |last=Popoviciu |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/18/the-failed-diplomacy-between-morocco-and-polisario |title=The failed diplomacy between Morocco and Polisario |date=18 November 2020 |access-date=19 November 2020 |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |archive-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119012107/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/18/the-failed-diplomacy-between-morocco-and-polisario |url-status=live}}</ref> while tens of thousands of Moroccans have emigrated to the region since the 1970s.<ref name="martinez">{{Cite web |first=Marta Rodriguez |last=Martinez |url=https://www.euronews.com/2020/11/17/western-sahara-who-are-the-polisario-front-and-what-do-they-want |title=Western Sahara: Who are the Polisario Front and what do they want? |date=17 November 2020 |access-date=19 November 2020 |work=[[Euronews]] |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117190712/https://www.euronews.com/2020/11/17/western-sahara-who-are-the-polisario-front-and-what-do-they-want |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Guerguerat Blockade ===
[[File:Guerguerat border crossing.jpg|thumb|Guerguerat border crossing in 2007.]]

[[Guerguerat]] is a small village located on the southern coast of the region, along the [[National Route 1 (Morocco)|Moroccan National Route 1]] leading to [[Mauritania]], some {{convert|380|km|mi}} north of [[Nouakchott]], in a buffer zone patrolled by MINURSO;<ref name="al jazeera"/> UN's envoy to the region, [[Horst Köhler]], resigned in mid-2019 for health-related reasons.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/note-correspondents/2019-05-22/note-correspondents-resignation-of-the-personal-envoy-of-the-secretary-general-for-western-sahara-former-president-of-germany-horst-k%C3%B6hler |title=Note to correspondents: Resignation of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, former President of Germany, Horst Köhler |date=22 May 2019 |access-date=17 November 2020 |publisher=United Nations |language=en |archive-date=6 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206094443/https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/note-correspondents/2019-05-22/note-correspondents-resignation-of-the-personal-envoy-of-the-secretary-general-for-western-sahara-former-president-of-germany-horst-k%C3%B6hler |url-status=live}}</ref> The Polisario Front considers the road illegal since they say it was built in violation of the ceasefire.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Abdi Latif |last=Dahir |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/13/world/middleeast/morocco-military-operation-western-sahara.html |title=Morocco Launches Military Operation in Western Sahara Buffer Zone |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=17 November 2020 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118002603/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/13/world/middleeast/morocco-military-operation-western-sahara.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Tensions yet again deepened between Morocco and the Polisario Front in mid-October, when unarmed [[Sahrawi refugees]] from [[Tindouf]], Algeria (where Polisario-administered refugee camps house about 100,000 Sahrawi refugees<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/07/16/algeria/western-sahara-three-dissidents-behind-bars |title=Algeria/Western Sahara: Three Dissidents Behind Bars |date=16 July 2019 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[Human Rights Watch]] |language=en |archive-date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928220535/https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/07/16/algeria/western-sahara-three-dissidents-behind-bars |url-status=live}}</ref>) passed through SADR-controlled territories to camp on and block the road in protest of what they called the plunder of Western Saharan resources from the Sahrawi people,<ref>{{Cite web |first=Abdi Latif |last=Dahir |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/14/world/middleeast/western-sahara-morocco-polisario.html |title=Western Sahara Ends Truce With Morocco |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=17 November 2020 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116232521/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/14/world/middleeast/western-sahara-morocco-polisario.html |url-status=live}}</ref> creating a large caravan of vehicles and blocking traffic in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.publico.es/videos/909366/activistas-saharauis-bloquean-el-paso-del-guerguerat-principal-carretera-de-conexion-con-mauritania |title=Activistas saharauis bloquean el paso del Guerguerat, principal carretera de conexión con Mauritania |date=25 October 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |work=[[Público (Spain)|Público]] |language=es |archive-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906185334/https://www.publico.es/videos/909366/activistas-saharauis-bloquean-el-paso-del-guerguerat-principal-carretera-de-conexion-con-mauritania |url-status=live}}</ref> Morocco, which regards the region as vital to trade with [[sub-Saharan Africa]],<ref name="vitaltrade">{{Cite web |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201111-polisario-front-threatens-to-end-morocco-ceasefire/ |title=Polisario Front threatens to end Morocco ceasefire |date=12 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=[[Middle East Monitor]] |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114141555/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201111-polisario-front-threatens-to-end-morocco-ceasefire/ |url-status=live}}</ref> accused the Polisario Front of infiltrating the buffer zone and "carrying out acts of banditry" in Guerguerat.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/wires/20201113-rabat-deploys-army-wsahara-border-zone-after-polisario-warnings |title=Rabat deploys army in WSahara border zone after Polisario warnings |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=[[Radio France Internationale]] |via=[[Arab News]] |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114141616/https://www.rfi.fr/en/wires/20201113-rabat-deploys-army-wsahara-border-zone-after-polisario-warnings |url-status=live}}</ref> The Moroccan authorities also stated that the Polisario Front was harassing UN troops at the crossing, though the UN denied this.<ref name="CNNback"/> 

These protesters were later joined by a group of up to 12 [[Sahrawi People's Liberation Army]] (SPLA) fighters and 8 light vehicles, two of which had mounted heavy weapons, in violation of the ceasefire. The Polisario Front claimed they were exclusively there to protect the protesters but later removed some of the light vehicles on 29 October after being told by MINURSO withdraw from the area. At the same time, 16 Royal Moroccan Army vehicles carrying heavy-duty machinery were observed west of the berm near Guerguerat. To reduce tensions, MINURSO requested that the Moroccan army also leave the area. Despite claiming it would comply to the request, no withdrawal was observed.<ref name=":2" />

In early November, around 200 Moroccan truck drivers appealed to Moroccan and Mauritanian authorities for help, saying they were stranded on the Mauritanian side of the border near Guerguerat, and adding that they didn't have access to drinking water, food, shelter, or medicine, with some suffering from chronic illnesses.<ref name="truckdrivers">{{Cite web |date=7 November 2020 |title=Moroccan truckers stuck on Mauritania border urge help |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1759461/middle-east |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114141630/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1759461/middle-east |archive-date=14 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=[[Arab News]] |language=en |via=}}</ref> According to ''[[Jeune Afrique]]'', Morocco first appealed to the United Nations to resolve the conflict peacefully, and that although the [[Secretary-General of the United Nations]], [[António Guterres]], approved this request, the situation was not resolved.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Soudan |first=François |date=13 November 2020 |title=Maroc : que s'est-il vraiment passé à Guerguerate ? |url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1073885/politique/pourquoi-et-comment-larmee-marocaine-est-intervenue-a-guerguerate/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113163842/https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1073885/politique/pourquoi-et-comment-larmee-marocaine-est-intervenue-a-guerguerate/ |archive-date=13 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[Jeune Afrique]] |language=fr}}</ref> Guterres himself likewise said that he had launched numerous initiatives to evade an escalation in the buffer zone, but his efforts had failed.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Heba |last=Saleh |url=https://www.ft.com/content/6a23b1bb-344c-4c13-8c35-08cb2838b109 |title=MaroWestern Sahara launches attacks on Morocco, ending 30-year truce |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Foreign Policy]] |language=en |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116041448/https://www.ft.com/content/6a23b1bb-344c-4c13-8c35-08cb2838b109 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 6 November, MINURSO observed that Morocco was deploying a large force consisting of 250 vehicles near Guerguerat.<ref name=":2" /> On 12 November, Mauritanian forces reinforced their positions along border Polisario Front-controlled territories bordering Mauritania.<ref name="mauritanianreinforcement">{{Cite web |url=https://middle-east-online.com/en/mauritania-army-reinforces-positions-along-border-morocco |title=Mauritania army reinforces positions along border with Morocco |date=12 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=Middle East Online |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114142710/https://middle-east-online.com/en/mauritania-army-reinforces-positions-along-border-morocco |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Course of the conflict ==
{{see|Timeline of the Western Saharan clashes (2020–present)}}
{{Empty section|comment=Per a [[Talk:Western Saharan clashes (2020–present)#Creating a separate timeline page|talk page discussion]], the content of this section was moved to a [[Timeline of the Western Saharan clashes (2020–present)|separate timeline article]] in December 2023. The content moved to the timeline article needs a summary here.|section=4|small=no|date=February 2024}}

== Non-military actions taken by Morocco and the SADR ==
On 13 November 2020, both Morocco and the SADR introduced mass mobilisation.<ref name="mormobil">{{Cite web |first=Safaa |last=Kasraoui |url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/11/325700/morocco-mobilizes-army-in-guerguerat-in-response-to-polisarios-provocations/ |title=Morocco Mobilizes Army in Guerguerat in Response to Polisario's Provocations |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[Morocco World News]] |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114194613/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/11/325700/morocco-mobilizes-army-in-guerguerat-in-response-to-polisarios-provocations/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="wsjstart"/> The SADR evacuated civilians from the Guerguerat area<ref name="elpaisciv">{{Cite web |last=Peregil |first=Francisco |date=14 November 2020 |title=El ejército de Marruecos y el Frente Polisario intercambian disparos en el sur del Sáhara Occidental |url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2020-11-13/el-ejercito-marroqui-entra-en-el-sur-del-sahara-para-romper-el-bloqueo-del-frente-polisario.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113224132/https://elpais.com/internacional/2020-11-13/el-ejercito-marroqui-entra-en-el-sur-del-sahara-para-romper-el-bloqueo-del-frente-polisario.html |archive-date=13 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[El País]] |language=es}}</ref> and introduced a [[curfew]] in the territories under its control.<ref name="Conf">{{Cite web |url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/mundo/2020-11-14/polisario-declara-fuego-prepara-guerra-marruecos_2832603/ |title=Marruecos reconoce "hostigamientos" del Frente Polisario, pero sin víctimas mortales |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[El Confidencial]] |language=es |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116033946/https://www.elconfidencial.com/mundo/2020-11-14/polisario-declara-fuego-prepara-guerra-marruecos_2832603/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Foreign weapon supplies ==

=== Morocco ===
Following the signing of the [[Israel–Morocco normalization agreement]] in December 2020, Morocco has purchased advanced military equipment from Israel including at least 150 drones.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Magid |first=Andrea Prada Bianchi, Pesha |date=2023-06-24 |title=Decolonization's Last Stand in the Sahara |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/24/polisario-front-morocco-conflict-western-sahara/ |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Bianchi |first=Pesha Magid, Andrea Prada |date=2023-07-01 |title=Morocco Is Buying Bigger, Badder Drones From Israel for Its Colonial War in Western Sahara |url=https://theintercept.com/2023/07/01/israel-drone-morocco/ |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=The Intercept |language=en-US}}</ref> The use of these drones has been documented in Polisario-controlled Western Sahara where they have killed both SPLA fighters and civilians.<ref name=":3" /> Israeli drones are also suspected to have been used to follow the movements of SPLA forces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oryx |title=A Rare Bird: The IAI Heron In Moroccan Service |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2021/10/a-rare-bird-iai-heron-in-moroccan.html |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=Oryx}}</ref> In October 2022, Morocco made a deal with Israel to build two factories to produce war drones with Israeli supervision and expertise. These factories, once completed, will allow Morocco to manufacture advanced drones at a low cost compared to those it had been buying from [[China]] and [[Turkey]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-10-15 |title=With the help of Israel, Morocco is the first African country to enter the drone manufacturers club |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221015-with-the-help-of-israel-morocco-is-the-first-african-country-to-enter-the-drone-manufacturers-club/ |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=Middle East Monitor |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Morocco reportedly used a Chinese-made [[CAIG Wing Loong|Wing Loong Is]], among a few given as a gift from the [[United Arab Emirates]], to kill Addah al-Bendir, the chief of the Polisario head of the Gendarmerie, in April 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oryx |title=Operating From The Shadows: Morocco's UAV Fleet |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2021/10/operating-from-shadows-moroccos-uav.html |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=Oryx}}</ref> Missile fragments examined by the [[The Intercept|Intercept]] indicated that [[Bayraktar TB2]] attack drones sold by Turkey have been used on targets in Western Sahara.<ref name=":5" />

=== SADR ===
Since the start of the clashes, Algeria has reiterated its support for Western Saharan independence.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-14 |title=Relaunching Negotiations over Western Sahara |url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/north-africa/western-sahara/227-relaunching-negotiations-over-western-sahara |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=www.crisisgroup.org |language=en}}</ref> However, Algeria has been reluctant to send the SADR any serious type of equipment. Consequently, the SADR has been compelled to rely on outdated equipment dating back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, given that its previous arms supplier, [[Muammar Gaddafi]], was [[Libyan civil war (2011)|killed in 2011]]. This predicament poses a challenge for the SPLA as they have to confront Moroccan forces equipped with more advanced weaponry, including drones.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hilton |first=Daniel |title=Ghost towns, rockets and drones: Polisario's war in Western Sahara |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/morocco-western-sahara-polisario-war-rockets-drones |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref>

Despite that, Algeria still cooperates with the SADR by opening up its borders everyday to SPLA fighters armed with artillery who shoot at Moroccan positions.<ref name=":3" />

== Reactions ==

=== Official statements ===

* {{MAR}}: On 13 November, the [[Authenticity and Modernity Party]], the [[Party of Progress and Socialism]], the [[Popular Movement (Morocco)|Popular Movement Party]], and the [[Istiqlal Party|Independence Party]] voiced their support for the Moroccan military intervention.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/politics/national-political-parties-welcome-moroccos-decision-secure-guergarate-crossing |title=National Political Parties Welcome Morocco's Decision to Secure Guergarate Crossing |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Maghreb Arabe Press]] |archive-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119112936/https://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/politics/national-political-parties-welcome-moroccos-decision-secure-guergarate-crossing |url-status=live}}</ref> The next day, the [[House of Representatives (Morocco)|House of Representatives of Morocco]] issued a statement, stressing that the military intervention was legitimate.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/politics/guergarate-lower-house-stresses-legitimacy-moroccos-actions |title=Guergarate: Lower House Stresses Legitimacy of Morocco's Actions |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Maghreb Arabe Press]] |archive-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119123118/https://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/politics/guergarate-lower-house-stresses-legitimacy-moroccos-actions |url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 November, King [[Mohammed VI of Morocco|Mohammed VI]] stated that Morocco would take necessary measures to "keep order and protect safety and fluidity of passenger and commercial traffic in the border area between Morocco and Mauritania", adding that the UN had failed in its "laudable attempts to end the unacceptable acts of the Polisario".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2632116/moroccos-king-says-determined-react-against-any-security-threat |title=Morocco's King Says Determined to React Against Any Security Threat |date=18 November 2020 |access-date=18 November 2020 |work=[[Asharq Al-Awsat]] |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118115019/https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2632116/moroccos-king-says-determined-react-against-any-security-threat |url-status=live}}</ref> Prime Minister [[Saadeddine Othmani]] said the operation led by the Moroccan forces was a "strategic change" to open the route in the [[Mauritania–Western Sahara border|Mauritania border]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/politics/royal-armed-forces-operation-strategic-change-putting-end-attempts-block |title=Royal Armed Forces' Operation, 'Strategic Change' Putting End to Attempts to Block Guerguarat: El Othmani |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Maghreb Arabe Press]] |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118041735/https://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/politics/royal-armed-forces-operation-strategic-change-putting-end-attempts-block |url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{SADR}}: On 16 November, SADR's minister of foreign affairs Mohamed Salem Ould Salek stated that the end of the war was now linked to the "end of the illegal occupation of parts of the territory of the Sahrawi Republic", and that the war had started as a "consequence of Morocco's aggression and action in Guerguerat".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/276783 |title=Polisario Says Conflict to End when Morocco Ends 'Occupation' |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Naharnet]] |archive-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119112951/http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/276783 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Domestic ===
On 13 November, Sahrawi sources stated that there were mass protests in [[Laayoune]], the unofficial capital of Western Sahara, which is ''de facto'' administered by Morocco, against the clashes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ecsaharaui.com/2020/11/ultima-hora-los-saharauis-salen-las.html |title=Los saharauis salen a las calles de El Aaiún ocupado y se enfrentan a las autoridades ocupantes |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=EcSaharaui |language=es |archive-date=13 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113221506/https://www.ecsaharaui.com/2020/11/ultima-hora-los-saharauis-salen-las.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The Moroccan media denied these claims, stating that the city's population was in support of the Moroccan forces, citing Laayoune's mayor.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/regional/inhabitants-la%C3%A2youne-fully-support-moroccos-decision-act-guergarate-ould |title=Inhabitants of Laâyoune Fully Support Morocco's Decision To Act in Guergarate (Ould Errachid) |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[Maghreb Arabe Press]] |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114032452/https://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/regional/inhabitants-la%C3%A2youne-fully-support-moroccos-decision-act-guergarate-ould |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite that, the NGO media outlet ''Équipe Media'' reported that the Moroccan government was exercising a strong police force, and had arrested several activists.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.niusdiario.es/nacional/politica/espana-condena-bandera-frente-polisario-consulado-marruecos-valencia_18_3043695127.html |title=España condena la colocación de una bandera del Frente Polisario en el consulado de Marruecos en Valencia |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[Mediaset España Comunicación|Nius Diario]] |language=es |archive-date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115171512/https://www.niusdiario.es/nacional/politica/espana-condena-bandera-frente-polisario-consulado-marruecos-valencia_18_3043695127.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The next day, the same source stated that the Moroccan security forces had arrested several demonstrators in [[Smara]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.emsahara.com/?p=66815 |title=La represión se intensifica en el Sahara Occidental ocupado |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=EcSaharaui |language=es |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114172822/https://www.emsahara.com/?p=66815 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 14 November, some Sahrawi tribal leaders issued a joint statement in support of the Moroccan intervention to restore free movement in [[Guerguerat]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/politics/shioukhs-sahrawi-tribes-back-efforts-restore-free-movement-guergarate |title=Shioukhs of Sahrawi Tribes Back Efforts to Restore Free Movement in Guergarate |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Maghreb Arabe Press]] |language=en |archive-date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115175814/http://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/politics/shioukhs-sahrawi-tribes-back-efforts-restore-free-movement-guergarate |url-status=live}}</ref> More than fifty riders from the Moroccan Bikers Club and the Royal Petanque Club organized a trip from [[Casablanca]] to the Guerguerat border crossing starting on 27 December and ending on 3 January 2021 to express their support for the Moroccan army's move to secure the crossing.<ref>{{cite web |title=نادي الدراجين المغاربة ، والنادي الملكي للكرة الحديدية في زيارة لمعبر الكركرات : الثوابت الوطنية فوق كل اعتبار |url=http://nabaa24.ma/نادي-الدراجين-المغاربة-،-والنادي-المل/ |website=Nabaa 24 |access-date=3 January 2021 |language=ar |date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610003114/http://nabaa24.ma/%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D8%8C-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%84/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Sahrawi self-determination activist [[Sultana Khaya]] described Moroccan control of the Western Sahara as an occupation and called for the United States to intensify diplomatic pressure on Morocco in favor of self-determination.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khaya |first=Sultana Sidibrahim |date=29 July 2021 |title=Opinion: I've been raped, beaten and held under house arrest for fighting for my Sahrawi people |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/29/opinions/morocco-western-sahara-activist-raped-beaten-khaya/index.html |access-date=2021-12-31 |website=CNN}}</ref> She has been under ''de facto'' house arrest since November 2020 and subject to repeated home raids and sexual assault by Moroccan security forces, as reported by a number of international human rights organizations.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Morocco/Western Sahara: Further information: Sahrawi activist raped by Moroccan forces: Sultana Khaya|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde29/5058/2021/en/|access-date=2021-12-31|website=Amnesty International|date=30 November 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-05|title=Western Sahara: Harassment of Independence Activist|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/03/05/western-sahara-harassment-independence-activist|access-date=2021-12-31|website=Human Rights Watch|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-05|title=Sultana Khaya|url=https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/profile/sultana-khaya|access-date=2021-12-31|website=Front Line Defenders|language=en}}</ref>

=== International ===

==== Supranational and regional organisations ====
The [[Secretary-General of the United Nations]], [[António Guterres]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/11/1077672 |title=Guterres 'remains committed' to maintaining 1991 ceasefire in Western Sahara |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=UN News |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114142835/https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/11/1077672 |url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[chairperson of the African Union Commission]], [[Moussa Faki]], expressed their grave concern over the conflict, with Faki stating "[The] Saharan issue has gone on for a long time and it has become urgent to solve it as a case of [[decolonization]] in the first place and to support the UN efforts in this regard."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20201114/communique-auc-chairperson-tensions-guerguerat-buffer-zone |title=Statement of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, on the tensions in the Guerguerat buffer zone |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |publisher=[[African Union]] |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114103722/https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20201114/communique-auc-chairperson-tensions-guerguerat-buffer-zone |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.spsrasd.info/news/ar/articles/2020/11/16/28596.html |title=مفوضية الإتحاد الإفريقي تعرب عن قلقها البالغ وتلح على تسوية القضية الصحراوية بإعتبارها قضية تصفية إستعمار |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |language=ar |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130162220/http://www.spsrasd.info/news/ar/articles/2020/11/16/28596.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy]], [[Josep Borrell]], stated that the EU was supporting the efforts of the United Nations to find a peaceful settlement for the conflict, per the [[United Nations Security Council|Security Council]] resolutions, and stressing the insurance of [[freedom of movement]] in Guerguerat.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://en.yabiladi.com/articles/details/101716/guerguerate-trying-mediate-between-morocco.html |title=Is the EU trying to mediate between Morocco and Algeria? |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=Yabiladi |language=en |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116095534/https://en.yabiladi.com/articles/details/101716/guerguerate-trying-mediate-between-morocco.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The secretary-general of the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]], [[Yousef Al-Othaimeen]], and the secretary-general of the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]], Nayef bin Falah Al-Hajraf, stated that they support Morocco's efforts to what they called "securing freedom of civil and commercial movement."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2157833 |title=OIC Supports Morocco's Measures to Secure Freedom of Civil and Commercial Movement in Guerguerat |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Saudi Press Agency]] |language=en |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609223039/https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2157833 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://alkhaleejtoday.co/international/5365016/The-Gulf-Cooperation-Council-supports-Moroccos-measures-to-ensure-the-smooth.html |title=The Gulf Cooperation Council supports Moroccos measures to ensure the smooth... |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Al Khaleej (newspaper)|Al Khaleej]] |language=en |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609222843/https://alkhaleejtoday.co/international/5365016/The-Gulf-Cooperation-Council-supports-Moroccos-measures-to-ensure-the-smooth.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Central American Parliament]] also expressed its support for Morocco.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-06 |title=El Guerguerat: Parlacen Expresses Support for all Measures Taken by Morocco |url=https://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/world/el-guerguerat-parlacen-expresses-support-all-measures-taken-morocco |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=[[Maghreb Arabe Presse]]}}</ref>

On 20 November, the [[Chairperson of the African Union]] and [[President of the Republic of South Africa]], [[Cyril Ramaphosa]], wrote a letter to the [[United Nations Security Council]] that called for "all the parties to uphold the [[Settlement Plan]], which provides for 'a cease-fire' and the holding of a referendum for the people of Western Sahara to exercise their right to self-determination."<ref>{{cite web |title=S/2020/1132 |url=https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N20/327/44/PDF/N2032744.pdf |publisher=United Nations Security Council}}</ref> The [[Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization]] released a statement voicing its support for Western Sahara and condemned Morocco's "unlawful assertion" of sovereignty over Western Sahara.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://unpo.org/article/22120 |title=UNPO Statement on Western Sahara |date=11 December 2020 |access-date=20 December 2020 |language=en |archive-date=14 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214050402/https://unpo.org/article/22120 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Foreign governments ====
{{Expand Spanish|topic=mil|section=yes|date=December 2020}}
[[Azerbaijan]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mebtoul|first=Taha|date=4 December 2020|title=Western Sahara: Azerbaijan Supports Morocco's Action in Guerguerat|url=https://beta.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/12/327950/western-sahara-azerbaijan-supports-moroccos-action-in-guerguerat/|access-date=16 April 2021|website=Morocco World News|language=en-US|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416015526/https://beta.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/12/327950/western-sahara-azerbaijan-supports-moroccos-action-in-guerguerat/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Bahrain]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://en.aluom.com/gulf/bahrain-expresses-its-solidarity-with-the-kingdom-of-morocco-against-the-attacks-of-the-polisario-militias |title=Bahrain expresses its solidarity with the Kingdom of Morocco against the attacks of the "Polisario" militias |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |work=Aluom |language=en |archive-date=21 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121003555/https://en.aluom.com/gulf/bahrain-expresses-its-solidarity-with-the-kingdom-of-morocco-against-the-attacks-of-the-polisario-militias |url-status=live}}</ref> the [[Central African Republic]],<ref name="internationalsupporters"/> [[Comoros]],<ref name="internationalsupporters"/> the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=SAHARA- GUERGUARAT: LE PRÉSIDENT DE LA RDC APPORTE SON SOUTIEN AU MAROC |url=http://www.agenceafrique.com/27156-sahara-guerguarat-le-president-de-la-rdc-apporte-son-soutien-au-maroc.html |date=27 November 2020 |access-date=7 December 2020 |publisher=Agence Afrique |archive-date=7 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207004745/http://www.agenceafrique.com/27156-sahara-guerguarat-le-president-de-la-rdc-apporte-son-soutien-au-maroc.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chad]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tchad Diplomatie|url=https://www.facebook.com/TchadDiplomatie/posts/3432431030173525|access-date=19 November 2020|language=fr|work=Facebook|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906185627/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTchadDiplomatie%2Fposts%2F3432431030173525|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Le Tchad condamne l'obstruction par les milices du "polisario" de la circulation des biens et des personnes à El Guerguarat|website = [[MSN]]|url=http://www.msn.com/fr-xl/afrique-du-nord/other/le-tchad-condamne-l-obstruction-par-les-milices-du-polisario-de-la-circulation-des-biens-et-des-personnes-%C3%A0-el-guerguarat/ar-BB1baJT6?li=AAE8lQn|access-date=19 November 2020|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126054322/http://www.msn.com/fr-xl/afrique-du-nord/other/le-tchad-condamne-l-obstruction-par-les-milices-du-polisario-de-la-circulation-des-biens-et-des-personnes-%C3%A0-el-guerguarat/ar-BB1baJT6?li=AAE8lQn|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Djibouti]],<ref name="africansupporters"/> [[Equatorial Guinea]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.diplomatie.ma/en/node/2226 |title=Le Gouvernement de la République de Guinée Équatoriale a exprimé sa solidarité et appui au Gouvernement du Royaume du Maroc pour une initiative qu'il a qualifié de juste et légitime, conformément à la légalité internationale. |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Morocco)|MFAC]] |language=fr |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201030023/https://www.diplomatie.ma/en/node/2226 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gabon]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gabonreview.com/securisation-del-guerguerate-le-gabon-soutient-les-initiatives-marocaines/ |title=Sécurisation d'El Guerguerate : Le Gabon soutient les initiatives marocaines |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=20 November 2020 |work=Gabonreview |language=fr |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116161632/https://www.gabonreview.com/securisation-del-guerguerate-le-gabon-soutient-les-initiatives-marocaines/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="africansupporters">{{Cite web |url=https://www.yabiladi.com/articles/details/101698/guerguerate-plusieurs-pays-africains-soutiennent.html |title=El Guerguerate: Plusieurs pays africains soutiennent le Maroc |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=Yabiladi |language=fr |archive-date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115174844/https://www.yabiladi.com/articles/details/101698/guerguerate-plusieurs-pays-africains-soutiennent.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[the Gambia]],<ref>{{Cite journal |url=https://lepetitjournalmarocain.com/2020/11/16/guergarate-large-soutien-africain-a-laction-du-maroc/ |title=Guergarate: large soutien africain à l'action du Maroc |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |journal=Le Petit Journal Marocain |language=fr |archive-date=4 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304210829/https://lepetitjournalmarocain.com/2020/11/16/guergarate-large-soutien-africain-a-laction-du-maroc/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Haiti]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.haitilibre.com/article-32360-haiti-diplomatie-haiti-prend-position-dans-le-conflit-frontalier-au-maroc.html|title=Haïti – Diplomatie : Haïti prend position dans le conflit frontalier au Maroc|date=23 November 2020|access-date=24 November 2020|work=haitilibre.com|language=fr|archive-date=23 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123142405/https://www.haitilibre.com/article-32360-haiti-diplomatie-haiti-prend-position-dans-le-conflit-frontalier-au-maroc.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jordan]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://alghad.com/الأردن-يقف-مع-المغرب-لحماية-مصالحه-ووح/ |title=الأردن يقف مع المغرب في حماية مصالحه ووحدة أراضيه وأمنه |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |work=[[Al Ghad]] |language=ar |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116200206/https://alghad.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%86-%D9%8A%D9%82%D9%81-%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A8-%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%87-%D9%88%D9%88%D8%AD/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kuwait]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://arabic.euronews.com/2020/11/14/kuwait-supports-the-measures-taken-by-morocco-guerguerat-western-sahara |title=دولة الكويت تؤيّد『الإجراءات』التي اتخذها المغرب في منطقة الكركرات |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |work=Euronews |language=ar |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118023936/https://arabic.euronews.com/2020/11/14/kuwait-supports-the-measures-taken-by-morocco-guerguerat-western-sahara |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Liberia]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://gnnliberia.com/2020/11/21/liberia-voices-support-for-moroccos-operation-in-guerguerat/ |title=Liberia Voices Support for Morocco's Operation in Guerguerat |date=21 November 2020 |access-date=13 December 2020 |work=GNN Liberia |language=en |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128060651/http://gnnliberia.com/2020/11/21/liberia-voices-support-for-moroccos-operation-in-guerguerat/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Oman]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://alyaoum24.com/1476770.html |title=الإمارات وقطر تعلنان دعمهما لتدخل الجيش المغربي في الكركرات |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |work=Alyaoum24 |language=ar |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114142913/http://alyaoum24.com/1476770.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Qatar]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://shabiba.com/article/id/148005 |title=السلطنة تعرب عن تأييدها للمملكة المغربية الشقيقة فيما اتخذته من إجراءات لحماية أمنها وسيادتها على أراضيها |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |work=Shabiba |language=ar |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114084035/https://shabiba.com/article/id/148005 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[São Tomé and Príncipe]],<ref name="internationalsupporters">{{Cite web |url=https://northafricapost.com/45249-european-voices-join-wave-of-support-to-moroccos-action-against-polisario-militias-in-guerguerat.html |title=European voices join wave of support to Morocco's action against Polisario militias in Guerguerat |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=18 November 2020 |work=Northafricapost |language=en |archive-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119110434/https://northafricapost.com/45249-european-voices-join-wave-of-support-to-moroccos-action-against-polisario-militias-in-guerguerat.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Saudi Arabia]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://una-oic.org/page/public/news_details.aspx?id=322709&NL=True |title=Saudi Arabia supports Morocco's measures to ensure freedom of traffic in Guerguerat |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Union of OIC News Agencies]] |language=en |archive-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906185637/https://una-oic.org/page/public/news_details.aspx?id=322709&NL=True |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Senegal]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://afrique24.com/le-president-senegalais-salue-le-sens-de-la-mesure-et-de-la-retenue-du-maroc-pour-maintenir-la-stabilite-a-el-guerguarat/ |title=Le président sénégalais salue le "sens de la mesure et de la retenue" du Maroc pour maintenir la stabilité à El Guerguarat |date=19 November 2020 |access-date=19 November 2020 |work=Afrique24 |language=fr |archive-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119173146/https://afrique24.com/le-president-senegalais-salue-le-sens-de-la-mesure-et-de-la-retenue-du-maroc-pour-maintenir-la-stabilite-a-el-guerguarat/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sierra Leone]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 August 2021|title=Sahara: Sierra Leone Affirms Support for Moroccan Autonomy Initiative|url=https://www.maroc.ma/en/news/sahara-sierra-leone-affirms-support-moroccan-autonomy-initiative|access-date=30 August 2021|website=Maroc.ma|language=en|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830171027/https://www.maroc.ma/en/news/sahara-sierra-leone-affirms-support-moroccan-autonomy-initiative|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Turkey]],<ref>{{Cite web |first=Burak |last=Dag |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/w-sahara-turkey-voices-support-for-political-solution/2044887 |title=W. Sahara: Turkey voices support for political solution |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Anadolu Agency]] |language=en |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116021416/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/w-sahara-turkey-voices-support-for-political-solution/2044887 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Yemen]] ([[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi|Hadi government]]),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mofa-ye.org/Pages/10734/ |title=اليمن تؤيد الاجراءات المغربية لضمان عودة الحركة الطبيعية في منطقة معبر الكركرات |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Yemen)|Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] |language=ar |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130050157/https://www.mofa-ye.org/Pages/10734/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[United Arab Emirates]]<ref>{{Cite web |first=Taj-Eddin |last=al-Abdalawi |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/uae-backs-morocco-over-western-sahara-border-zone/2043782 |title=UAE backs Morocco over Western Sahara border zone |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Anadolu Agency]] |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114130434/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/uae-backs-morocco-over-western-sahara-border-zone/2043782 |url-status=live}}</ref> voiced their support for Morocco, while [[Guyana]] withdrew its recognition of the SADR.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://northafricapost.com/45238-45238.html |title=Guyana withdraws recognition of pseudo-SADR |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[The North Africa Post]] |language=en |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116021523/https://northafricapost.com/45238-45238.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates (State of Palestine)|Foreign Ministry]] of the [[State of Palestine]] said it "does not interfere in the internal affairs of the brotherly Arab countries".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/11/326140/palestine-ambassador-to-algeria-attacks-moroccos-territorial-integrity/ |title=Palestine Ambassador to Algeria Attacks Morocco's Territorial Integrity |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=11 December 2020 |work=Morocco World News |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204084024/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/11/326140/palestine-ambassador-to-algeria-attacks-moroccos-territorial-integrity/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Egypt]],<ref name="africansupporters"/> [[Mauritania]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20201113-morocco-sends-troops-to-western-saraha-border-to-end-polisario-provocations |title=Tensions flare in Western Sahara as pro-independents Polisario accuse Morocco of ending ceasefire |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=[[France24]] |language=en |archive-date=13 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113102622/https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20201113-morocco-sends-troops-to-western-saraha-border-to-end-polisario-provocations |url-status=live}}</ref> Russia,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mid.ru/en/diverse/-/asset_publisher/zwI2FuDbhJx9/content/kommentarij-departamenta-informacii-i-pecati-mid-rossii-o-situacii-v-zapadnoj-sahare?_101_INSTANCE_zwI2FuDbhJx9_redirect=https://www.mid.ru/en/diverse?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_zwI2FuDbhJx9&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_pos=2&p_p_col_count=6 |title=Comment by the Information and Press Department on the developments in Western Sahara |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia)|Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114190214/https://www.mid.ru/en/diverse/-/asset_publisher/zwI2FuDbhJx9/content/kommentarij-departamenta-informacii-i-pecati-mid-rossii-o-situacii-v-zapadnoj-sahare?_101_INSTANCE_zwI2FuDbhJx9_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mid.ru%2Fen%2Fdiverse%3Fp_p_id%3D101_INSTANCE_zwI2FuDbhJx9&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_pos=2&p_p_col_count=6 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Spain<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thediplomatinspain.com/en/2020/11/spain-calls-for-responsibility-and-restraint-in-western-sahara/ |title=Spain calls for "responsibility and restraint" in Western Sahara |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |work=[[The Diplomat]] in Spain |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114175013/https://thediplomatinspain.com/en/2020/11/spain-calls-for-responsibility-and-restraint-in-western-sahara/ |url-status=live}}</ref> have all urged both parties to respect the ceasefire.

[[South Africa]], Algeria and [[Namibia]] backed the Polisario Front, accused Morocco of violating the ceasefire and urged the UN to appoint a new Western Sahara envoy to restart talks.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-11-13/morocco-vows-to-clear-polisario-blockade-of-western-sahara-road |title=Fears Grow of New Western Sahara War Between Morocco and Polisario Front |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=[[U.S. News & World Report|US News]] |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114103807/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-11-13/morocco-vows-to-clear-polisario-blockade-of-western-sahara-road |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-19 |title=El-guerguerat : la Namibie condamne l'attaque militaire marocaine contre des civils sahraouis |url=https://www.emb-argelia.pt/el-guerguerat-la-namibie-condamne-lattaque-militaire-maroacine-contre-des-civils-sahraouis/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Embassy of Algeria in Portugal |language=fr |agency=[[Algérie Presse Service]]}}</ref> Algeria also sent 60 tons of food and medical aid to the refugees in Western Sahara.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Mücahit |last=Aydemir |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/algeria-sends-60-tons-of-aid-to-west-sahara-refugees/2045047 |title=Algeria sends 60 tons of aid to West Sahara refugees |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Anadolu Agency]] |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121153501/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/algeria-sends-60-tons-of-aid-to-west-sahara-refugees/2045047 |url-status=live}}</ref> On the other hand, Spain's second deputy prime minister [[Pablo Iglesias Turrión]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ecsaharaui.com/2020/11/ultima-hora-el-vicepresidente-de-espana.html |title=ÚLTIMA HORA {{!}} El Vicepresidente de España, Pablo Iglesias pide la celebración de un referéndum en el Sáhara Occidental |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=EcSaharaui |language=es |archive-date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115201409/https://www.ecsaharaui.com/2020/11/ultima-hora-el-vicepresidente-de-espana.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Cuba]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reafirma Cuba apoyo a solución en Sahara Occidental|url=http://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?o=rn&id=412865&SEO=reafirma-cuba-apoyo-a-solucion-en-sahara-occidental|url-status=live|access-date=16 April 2021|website=Prensa Latina|language=es-CU|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417022603/https://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?o=rn&id=412865&SEO=reafirma-cuba-apoyo-a-solucion-en-sahara-occidental}}</ref> and [[Venezuela]]<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Cancillería Venezuela|first=|title=Venezuela reiterates solidarity with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and demands compliance with UN resolutions |user=CancilleriaVE|number=1338539752434315265|website=Twitter |access-date=19 April 2021 |format=Tweet |date=14 December 2020}}</ref> have stated that they supported the [[Self-determination|right to self-determination]] of the Sahrawis.

==== Minorities abroad ====
On 15 November, a group of [[Sahrawi people|Sahrawis]] staged a rally in front of the Moroccan consulate in [[Valencia]], Spain. The protestors dismantled the [[flag of Morocco]] from the consulate, raising the [[Flag of Western Sahara|SADR's flag]] over the building.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.elespanol.com/espana/20201115/espana-condena-intento-saharaui-consulado-marroqui-valencia/536196809_0.html |title=España condena el intento de colocar la bandera saharaui en el consulado marroquí de Valencia |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[El Español]] |language=es |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117032950/https://www.elespanol.com/espana/20201115/espana-condena-intento-saharaui-consulado-marroqui-valencia/536196809_0.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://okdiario.com/espana/gobierno-condena-intento-colocar-bandera-saharaui-consulado-marruecos-valencia-6435533 |title=El Gobierno condena el "intento" de colocar la bandera saharaui en el consulado de Marruecos en Valencia |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=[[Okdiario]] |language=es |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116192158/https://okdiario.com/espana/gobierno-condena-intento-colocar-bandera-saharaui-consulado-marruecos-valencia-6435533 |url-status=live}}</ref> Spain<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.vozpopuli.com/espana/bandera-sahara-occidental-polisario-consultado-marruecos-valencia_0_1410459287.html |title=Manifestantes saharauis colocan la bandera del Frente Polisario en el Consulado de Marruecos en Valencia |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=Vozpópuli |language=es |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117033144/https://www.vozpopuli.com/espana/bandera-sahara-occidental-polisario-consultado-marruecos-valencia_0_1410459287.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and Morocco<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/politics/morocco-condemns-strongest-terms-acts-vandalism-and-violence-against-its |title=Morocco Condemns in the Strongest Terms Acts of Vandalism and Violence against its Consulate in Valencia |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[Maghreb Arabe Press]] |language=en |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116110029/http://www.mapnews.ma/en/actualites/politics/morocco-condemns-strongest-terms-acts-vandalism-and-violence-against-its |url-status=live}}</ref> condemned the incident.

==== Other groups ====
The [[Islamic State]] released an official statement criticising Morocco and the Polisario Front for allegedly using religion to justify the use of weapons in the conflict, for which it accused both of [[apostasy]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-05 |title=El ISIS acusa a Marruecos y al Polisario de usar la religión para justificar la guerra:『Sois apóstatas』|url=https://www.elespanol.com/mundo/africa/20201205/isis-marruecos-polisario-religion-justificar-guerra-apostatas/540946983_0.html |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=El Español |language=es}}</ref>

=== Analysis ===
According to [[International Crisis Group]]'s Portuguese analytic Riccardo Fabiani, the conflict could be a "potential breaking point that could have major repercussions", adding that the United Nations had been quite negligent towards this issue.<ref name="al jazeera">{{Cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/13/morocco-launches-operation-in-western-sahara-border-zone |title=Morocco troops launch operation in Western Sahara border zone |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114103328/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/13/morocco-launches-operation-in-western-sahara-border-zone |url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Western Sahara topics}}
{{SADR topics}}
{{Post-Cold War African conflicts}}
{{Ongoing military conflicts}}

[[Category:2020 in international relations]]
[[Category:2021 in international relations]]
[[Category:2022 in international relations]]
[[Category:2023 in international relations]]
[[Category:2020 in Morocco]]
[[Category:2021 in Morocco]]
[[Category:2022 in Morocco]]
[[Category:2023 in Morocco]]
[[Category:2020 in Western Sahara]]
[[Category:2021 in Western Sahara]]
[[Category:2022 in Western Sahara]]
[[Category:2023 in Western Sahara]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 2020]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 2021]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 2022]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 2023]]
[[Category:November 2020 events in Africa]]
[[Category:Western Sahara conflict|2020 clashes]]
[[Category:History of Western Sahara]]
[[Category:Wars involving Morocco]]