Western Sahara and Russian Arms Sales: A Review
... Franco’s death left its colony to the south of Morocco and the West of Mauritania. After the Madrid Accords were struck the same year, the territory was split between Morocco and Mauritania. The local population, which had gathered under the banners of the Polisario Front, decided to take up arms and fought with both countries. Algeria supported the Polisario Front, providing it with weaponry and extending its political support. Mauritania withdrew after several years of fighting, and a ceasefire was established ...