On February 27, 2026, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) celebrated its 50th anniversary since being proclaimed by the Polisario Front in 1976. Currently, approximately 80% of Western Sahara is under Moroccan control, which has sparked ongoing tensions and conflict in the region. In a statement commemorating this milestone, Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat emphasized the continued struggle for freedom and the right to self-determination, underlining the historic significance of this conflict within broader international power dynamics.

The creation of SADR was a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of an enduring dispute over Western Sahara, a territory previously ruled by Spain. The proclamation in Bir Lehlou initiated a series of confrontations and negotiations reflecting the complexities of colonial histories, territorial claims, and rights to independence. Over the past 50 years, the SADR has received varying degrees of support from different nations and organizations, which have shaped the political landscape and the prospects for resolution in this long-standing conflict.

As the SADR reaches this significant anniversary, the political implications are profound, not only for the Sahrawi people but also for regional stability in North Africa. The situation remains a focal point of international attention, with ongoing debates regarding self-determination and the role of foreign powers. With tensions still high and a lack of resolution, the future of the Sahrawi people continues to depend on complex international relations and the commitment to their rights by the global community.