Western Sahara remains divided by Morocco’s Berm and minefields
The Berm, a fortified wall built by Morocco between 1980 and 1987, separates the Moroccan-controlled part of Western Sahara from the Polisario-controlled territory. The wall, spanning 2,700 km and surrounded by over 10 million landmines, continues to shape the unresolved conflict over Western Sahara, a territory claimed by Morocco but contested by the Polisario Front backed by Algeria. The conflict has led to prolonged refugee crises and ongoing political and ecological risks.
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The Berm is a fortified wall constructed by Morocco between 1980 and 1987 to separate the part of Western Sahara it controls from the territory held by the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region.
Spanning approximately 2,700 kilometers, the Berm is the world’s second-longest continuous barrier after the Great Wall of China. Alongside it lies a minefield containing over 10 million landmines, making it one of the most heavily mined areas globally.
The wall was built in stages as Morocco fought to maintain control over Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony. Despite international law calling for a self-determination referendum, Morocco annexed much of the territory, including valuable coastal areas and phosphate mines.
The Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, controls about 20% of Western Sahara and represents part of the Sahrawi people. The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of Sahrawis to refugee camps in Algeria, creating the second-longest refugee crisis worldwide according to the United Nations.
French and Israeli military strategists advised Morocco on the Berm’s construction. Beyond the political dispute, the Berm poses significant risks due to its extensive minefields, which have caused numerous casualties and continue to threaten lives and biodiversity in the region.