Morocco marks Green March as UN mission in Western Sahara winds down

Morocco marked the 51st anniversary of the Green March on Friday with celebrations in Laayoune, the largest city in the part of Western Sahara it controls.

The 1975 march into territory then ruled by Spain helped pave the way for Morocco to take control of most of Western Sahara.

The territory remains disputed: Morocco claims it, while the Polisario Front seeks independence and administers areas east of a sand berm.

For many independence supporters, the march marks the start of Morocco’s takeover and the displacement of thousands.

The UN mission MINURSO is winding down after the Security Council did not renew its mandate, which expired on October 31.

Established in 1991, the mission monitored a ceasefire and was meant to help organize a referendum on the territory’s future.

Morocco backs autonomy under its sovereignty, while the Polisario says people should be able to choose independence in a referendum; the end of the mission leaves the dispute in a new diplomatic phase.