The death of Mohamed Abdelaziz the leader of the Polisario Front has caused complications in a delicate peace process. The Western Sahara has been fighting for independence since 1975. Morocco invaded in that year and in 1991 reached a cease fire agreement. The Western Sahara has yet to see full independence. Morocco only recognizes it as an autonomous entity. However, eighty-four African nations already recognize it. Algeria was the biggest supporter of the Polisario Front, providing arms for resistance. The war between this emerging state and Morocco has created refugees. Algeria has refugee camps and Ban Ki-Moon when visiting the town of Tindouf called Morocco's actions "an occupation." While the UN Secretary General is quick to speak out on this matter, he has been silent on the abuses in Libya. UN resolution 1973 legitimized the brutal NATO war against Libya in 2011. The UN functions as a tool for intervention and neocolonialism in Africa. The UN has a horrible record in Africa in regards to the DRC, Sudan, South Sudan, Rwanda, and the African Central Republic. Without firm leadership the movement could either fade or spark violence . Destabilization has spread across the Sahara since the NATO war and the US-EU block will continue its attacks. Africa must unite and come to a resolution to continental conflicts to challenge European aggression. King Mohammed VI should work to make peace with the Western Sahara. If not another full scale war could break out. This would lead to the collapse of his throne and possibly a wider Arab Spring like revolt. Morocco has to decide whether or not it wants to be a puppet of France and the United States or make its own foreign policy. The Sahrawi people deserve political rights and respect. The referendum for independence must happen to prevent war. There must be African solutions to African problems.
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