🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has passed a US-backed resolution that favors Moroccan position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding strong opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although the recent decision was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to retain control over the region, which also enjoys support from the majority of EU countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Key Components

The resolution describes Moroccan proposal as a foundation for negotiation. As with earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on independence that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a very practical solution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed region.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the measure, led eleven countries in deciding in favor, while three nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's main supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution 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 number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the UN security mission in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Previous extensions, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored outcome.

The measure calls on all sides participating to "seize this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Area Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted process that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for independence.

Morocco controls almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

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

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

The movement has subsequently regularly reported security activity, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views support for its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a lack of development might question the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the United States reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering security operations.