In the context of decolonization in the mid-20th century, the last remnants of Spanish colonialism in Western Sahara became a focal point of conflict after Spain withdrew from the territory in 1975. Following the Madrid Accords, which divided control of Western Sahara between Morocco and Mauritania without consulting the Sahrawi people, the Polisario Front, which was founded in 1973 to address the grievances of the Sahrawi, began to intensify its campaign for independence. On February 27, 1976, the Polisario Front declared the establishment of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), proclaiming its right to self-determination and independence over the regions of Western Sahara.The declaration was made in Bir Lehlou, a symbolic site now recognized as part of the territory controlled by the Sahrawi. Despite lacking widespread international recognition at the time, the SADR was established as a government-in-exile and has since maintained a presence in refugee camps in Algeria, where many Sahrawi people fled due to the conflict. The declaration led to a protracted conflict with Morocco, which considers the territory part of its sovereign land. The struggle ensued, leading to ongoing warfare and guerrilla tactics by the Polisario in an attempt to reclaim the territory from Moroccan control, resulting in a deeper entrenchment of the conflict that would last for decades.Internationally, the declaration sparked debates over colonialism, self-determination, and territorial integrity. The Sahrawi cause garnered support from various nations and liberation movements, reflecting a broader context of anti-colonial sentiment prevalent in the mid-20th century. The SADR has since been recognized by some countries and international organizations, contributing to the global discourse around rights for indigenous and colonized peoples.