🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has approved a American-supported measure that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding significant opposition from Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Morocco's Position

Although Friday's vote was divided, the resolution represents the strongest support to date for Moroccan plan to retain control over the region, which also enjoys backing from most European Union members and a growing number of African partners.

Resolution Structure and Important Elements

The document describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. As with earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the solution long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most practical resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Decision Patterns and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the resolution, guided 11 countries in deciding in support, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous iterations, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Future Assessment

The measure also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the territory for an additional year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome.

The measure urges all parties participating to "take this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Area Impact and Current Conditions

The change could unsettle a protracted process that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security mission that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have vowed not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow area called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Background and Recent Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to facilitate a referendum on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. State support keep food and energy prices low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a route the government was paving to Mauritania.

The group has since frequently documented military operations, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any process aiming "to validate Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," adding resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco views support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN representative suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would involve and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain effective."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes funding for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.