Sahrawis

The Sahrawis are an ethnic group native to the western part of the Sahara desert, including southern Morocco, but also the Western Sahara, Mauritania, and southwestern Algeria. This ethnic group includes a mix of Amazigh influence, as well as other African and Arab backgrounds. The Sahrawis are composed of many tribes and largely speak an Arabic dialect called Hassaniya. Today, this has largely replaced the Amazigh dialect originally spoken in this region. Traditionally, the Sahrawis transported salt and gold between north and west Africa, and are nomadic with strong ties to desert tribes. They are currently involved in a movement led by the Polisario Front to fight for independence from Morocco with UN involvement, but which is currently at a stalemate.