Polisario

American  

[poh-li-sahr-ee-oh] / poʊ lɪˈsɑr iˌoʊ /

noun

1. an independence movement opposing Moroccan control of the Western Sahara, a former Spanish territory that Morocco annexed in stages beginning in 1976.

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Etymology

Origin of Polisario

< Spanish ( Frente ) Po ( pular para la ) Li ( beración de ) Sa ( gnia el-Hamra y ) Rí ( o de ) O ( ro ) Popular Front for the Liberation of Sagnia El-Hamra and Río de Oro

Example Sentences

When Spain pulled out of Western Sahara in 1975, both Morocco and the Polisario, which was founded two years earlier, claimed the territory.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

After bitter fighting in the 1970s and 80s, the Polisario Front and Morocco agreed various ceasefires in the 1990s but failed to resolve the underlying dispute.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2025

Algeria is the historic backer of the independence movement Polisario.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2024

The United Nations brokered a cease-fire between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front, which is supported by Algeria, that held until four years ago.

From Seattle Times • May 2, 2024

However, in 2006 the Polisario awarded similar   exploration licenses in the disputed territory, which would come   into force if Morocco and the Polisario resolve their dispute over   Western Sahara.

From The 2008 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency