🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has passed a American-supported measure that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Moroccan Position

Although the recent vote was divided, the resolution represents the strongest endorsement to date for Moroccan plan to maintain control over the territory, which additionally enjoys support from the majority of EU countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. As with previous measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach long supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan authority could represent a very practical solution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastline desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the measure, guided 11 nations in voting in favor, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The measure also renews the United Nations security mission in the territory for an additional year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its allies' preferred resolution.

The measure calls on all sides participating to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring resolution." Based on developments, it requests the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Conditions

The change could disrupt a protracted process that for many years has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was designed to be short-term. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a thin strip called the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Background and Current Events

A 1991 truce was meant to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a long highway. State support keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the truce in recent years after confrontations near a route the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently reported security activity, while the government has mostly denied active fighting. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Morocco's illegal presence," saying peace "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the central issue in north African international relations. The Moroccan government views support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of development might raise questions about the UN's role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the US slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering peacekeeping.