Polisario Front members meet in Algeria to discuss leadership elections

Polisario movement members are meeting this Friday in a refugee camp in Algeria to discuss leadership elections.

Morocco controls almost 80% of the resource-rich territory and has proposed an autonomy plan under its sovereignty. 

The Sahrawi Polisario Front , backed by Algeria , has called for a referendum on self-determination.

More than 2,200 members of the movement and 370 foreign guests are expected to attend the five-day congress.

The rift has already led to the diplomatic breakdown of relations between Algeria and Morocco .

The Polisario's current head Brahim Ghali , 73 , appears to enjoy the vital backing of Algeria and is expected to be re-elected at the gathering

The conflict in Western Sahara dates back to 1975 , when colonial power Spain withdrew from the region, sparking a bitter 15 -year war between the Polisario and Morocco for control of the territory.