🔗 Share this article

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

Split Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

Although the recent vote was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys support from most EU countries and a growing number of African partners.

Resolution Framework and Key Components

The resolution describes Moroccan plan as a basis for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the document doesn't include a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real self-rule under Morocco's authority could represent a most feasible resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the disputed region.

Voting Results and Global Responses

The US, which proposed the measure, guided eleven countries in deciding in support, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior extensions, however, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its allies' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all parties participating to "take this unique chance for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it asks the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Area Consequences and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a United Nations security operation that was designed to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow strip known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Background and Recent Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the contested region, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. State support keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement ended the truce in 2020 after clashes near a route Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has since regularly documented military activity, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations calls it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," saying resolution "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation constitutes the driving force in north African international relations. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed dividing the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a lack of progress might question the UN's role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be useful."

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