Specific Features of the Polisario Front as a Non-State Actor

 
PIIS013038640009535-6-1
DOI10.31857/S013038640009535-6
Publication type Article
Status Published
Authors
Affiliation: Institute of Oriental Studies, RAS
Address: Russian Federation, Moscow
Journal nameNovaia i noveishaia istoriia
EditionIssue 1
Pages149-158
Abstract

In the article, the author considers the Polisario Front as a national liberation movement aimed at gaining independence for the Sahara Arab Democratic Republic. The work focuses on the internal structure of the movement, which is aligned vertically. Its founders laid the principle of consultation before making fateful decisions and choosing strategic directions. It is noted that the attempt to divide the branches of power within the organization can hardly be called successful, since key powers are still concentrated in the hands of the executive bodies. The military wing of the Polisario Front is represented by a guerrilla army equipped with old Soviet arms and equipment. It is constantly replenished with human resources, and the instructors, as a rule, are the Algerian military. The author seeks to show the main sources of financing the movement. It was revealed that this is not only Algeria's contributions, but also cash receipts from charitable foundations and financial receipts from people loyal to the Polisario Front. The organization also receives a share from the smuggling of drugs, weapons, precious metals in Africa. The study also pays attention to the life of people in the Tindouf camps, where the administrative structure was organized by the Polisario Front. It is noted that the camp economy is focused on survival. In this regard, it is up to men to meet the basic needs of families. Women, thanks to the spread of the idea of feminism in the ranks of the POLISARIO Front, can participate in politics and get a job. A high social position, as a rule, is occupied by representatives of the older generation with higher education. Education is available for children, but many do not conclude their studies in schools, as they must help their parents. In general, despite the lack of implementation of the idea of independence for Western Sahara, the Polisario Front remains an attractive movement for the Sahrawi and has no obvious competitors.

KeywordsPolisario Front, Western Sahara, Tindouf, Algeria, Morocco
Received29.07.2020
Publication date29.01.2021
Number of characters28491
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