🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has passed a American-supported resolution that favors Morocco's claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite significant opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Moroccan Stance

While Friday's decision was divided, the measure constitutes the most significant endorsement yet for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also enjoys backing from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Resolution Structure and Important Components

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the document doesn't include a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an choice, which represents the approach traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Moroccan authority could represent a very feasible resolution.

Background Context

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Voting Results and Global Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 nations in voting in support, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, said the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

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

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The measure also renews the UN security mission in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior renewals, however, have not included a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored resolution.

The measure urges all parties participating to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring peace." Depending on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Current Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted situation that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a UN security mission that was designed to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a thin area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Background and Current Events

A 1991 truce was meant to facilitate a referendum on independence, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. State subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after clashes near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly reported military activity, while the government has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The UN describes it "limited tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to validate Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding peace "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco considers support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged the government to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned that a absence of development might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain effective."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes funding for UN programmes and organizations, including security operations.