The First Sahrawi Intifada began in 1999 and lasted until 2004, transforming into the Independence Intifada in 2005. First Sahrawi Intifada forms a part of the wider and still ongoing Western Sahara conflict.
Background
, formerly Spanish Sahara, was annexed by Morocco in 1975, as Spain pulled out. A war with the Polisario Front, which according to the UN represent the indigenous Sahrawi population, and was backed by neighboring Algeria, ensued. In 1976, the main Sahrawi movement, the Polisario Front, declared statehood of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in Polisario-controlled areas of Western Sahara. In 1991 a cease-fire between Polisario and Morocco was agreed upon, on the condition of a referendum on self-determination of Moroccan-occupied Southern Provinces. Since 1991, the terms of a referendum have been subject to years of dispute between the parties, although the cease-fire continues to hold despite remaining tensions. Morocco controls the majority of the territory, with Polisario forces controlling a rump. A UN mission MINURSO mission patrols the demarcation line. Sahrawi political activity in the Moroccan-controlled parts of Western Sahara remains severely restricted, and police crackdowns and forced disappearances were a frequent response to civil protest. The political climate gradually relaxed in the 1990s, after the cease-fire, and following considerable liberalization in Morocco proper.
Since political liberalization, intermittent protests have broken out and pro-Polisario groups have declaring minor "intifadas" in 1999 and 2000, often resulting in dozens of demonstrators being arrested. The First Sahrawi Intifada began in late 1999 and was characterized by large-scale protests. King Hassan II, who had pledged promises of democracy and reform, had died on 23 July, creating new political atmosphere. In early September 1999, Sahrawi students held a sit-in at al-Zamlah Square in al-'Ayun, the capital of the territory, demanding scholarships and transportation subsidies to Moroccan universities located in northern Morocco. Many students sat in a constant vigil underneath tents in the square, which directly faced Najir Hotel, where United Nations personnel always stayed during their visits. The square was also symbolic because of its past history: in 1970, the Spanish army had killed a group of Sahrawis protesting for independence in the square. The students were also joined by Sahrawi political prisoners, arguing for compensation and an end to the common "disappearances" of other political activists. Shortly, they were also joined by Sahrawi mine workers and Sahrawi members of the "National Association of Unemployed University Graduates" in Morocco. The demonstrators occupied al-Zamlah Square for 12 days before Moroccan officials responded, sending police to break up the protest, beating protesters and arresting many; some Sahrawis were reportedly driven out into the desert and left there. Sahrawi activists organized another protest five days later in which they demanded independence and a referendum. It is claimed that in response, Moroccan officials authorized local thugs to ransack Sahrawi homes and businesses. State security forces arrested 150 demonstrators during the protest, and rounded up many more in the early months of 2000. Though security forces released the prisoners fairly quickly, Sahrawi activists accused the police of torture and other maltreatment during detainment. Throughout the First Intifada, Sahrawi protests attracted other Moroccan settlers to their protests. Witnessing the violence and injustices, many of Morocco's own Sahrawis became disillusioned with Moroccan government policy.
Political regrouping
In November 1999, Sahrawi political activists, who had been jailed and "disappeared", formed the Truth and Justice Forum, which sought government redress of human rights violations and injustices. A branch of this group was formed in al-'Ayun, Western Sahara by Sahrawi activists on 26 August 2000. The Moroccan government had little tolerance towards the Sahara Branch, stating that it was a pro-independence campaigner, and, in November 2002, Moroccan courts created legislation to outlaw the organization. Protests persisted throughout the years 2000 to 2004, but small peace developments were made during the time period, influencing activist mindsets and the protest environment.
Reconciliation attempts
In January 2004, Sahrawi political activist groups united under the Collective of Sahrawi Human Rights Defenders. The collective demanded the formation of an international commission of inquiry to investigate human rights injustices in the Western Sahara. Aminatou Haidar, the president of the collective, and Ali Salem Tamek, vice president of the collective, were both organizers of the Sahrawi plight. Also in January 2004, Moroccan King Mohammed released and pardoned twelve Sahrawi activists, some of whom had been involved in the Sahara Branch of the Truth and Justice Forum. By 2005, however, discussions for a peace negotiation had reached a standstill. Out of this, a new wave of Sahrawi nonviolent protest erupted, in what is known as the Second Sahrawi Intifada or Independence Intifada.
Aftermath
The Independence Intifada refers to a series of disturbances, demonstrations and riots that broke out in May 2005 in the Moroccan-controlled parts of Western Sahara and south of Morocco.
Importance of First Intifada
The nonviolent campaign of Second Sahrawi Intifada campaigned more openly on the issue of independence than had the First Intifada, which focused mostly on human rights; however, the First Intifada was pivotal in showing Sahrawis that they could dissent, protest, and state their demands.
