Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic–Syria relations

The relationship between Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and Arab Republic of Syria is regarded as a close-range relations between two countries. Syria officially recognized SADR on 15 April 1980.[1]

Sahrawi-Syrian relations
Map indicating locations of Syria and SADR

Syria
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

History
See also: Morocco–Syria relations

Syria, historically, has provided political support to the Polisario, a Western Saharan-oriented group fighting against Morocco. This has prompted tensions between Morocco and Syria, which had already declined since the 1960s. Syria's close ties with Iran also gave impetus for the tensions, a fact which contributed to Syria's support to Polisario and Western Saharans against Morocco.[2] Syria remains firmly on Western Sahara's side and has officially recognized SADR.[3]

Syrian Civil War
Main article: Syrian Civil War

The Syrian Civil War has created divisions between two groups. The exiled Syrian opposition, backed by anti-Assad allies including Morocco, had been instrumental on voicing in favor to Morocco's integrity.[4] Meanwhile, the Syrian Government led by Bashar al-Assad maintained its support for Polisario and Western Saharan cause.[5]

Algeria allegedly allowed Polisario fighters to fight in Syria on behalf of Assad's request.[6] And with the going end of the Syrian Civil War, and Assad's prevail, the relations would be expected to bear more fruits as Assad has remained firmly recognized to Western Saharan cause.

See also

References
  1. "States recognizing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic" (in Arabic). Official Website of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Archived from the original on 31 October 2007. Retrieved 21 April 2008.
  2. Elatouabi, Mariam. "Diplomatic Relations Between Morocco and Iran Sour Over Western Sahara Dispute". Atlantic Council. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  3. "The Movement for an Independent Western Sahara Is Gaining Momentum". Muftah.org. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  4. "'Friends of Syria' recognise opposition". Aljazeera.com. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  5. "Syria's Bashar Al Assad Embraces Western Sahara Separatists". Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  6. "Algeria sends Polisario militiamen to Syria via Cuba". Sahara News. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
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