🔗 Share this article

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

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

While Friday's decision was divided, the resolution represents the most significant support yet for Moroccan proposal to retain control over the territory, which also enjoys support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Key Components

The resolution describes Moroccan plan as a basis for talks. As with previous measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the approach traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most feasible solution.

Background Information

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

Decision Results and International Responses

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 countries in voting in favor, while 3 nations – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not participate.

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

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also extends the UN security mission in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been done for more than three decades. Previous renewals, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a enduring resolution." Based on developments, it asks the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Regional Consequences and Current Situation

The change could unsettle a protracted situation that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a United Nations security mission that was designed to be temporary. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow area known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Background and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. State support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a route Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has since regularly reported military operations, while Morocco has primarily denied open conflict. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

Global Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not join any process intending "to validate Moroccan illegal military occupation," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government views support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a absence of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces financial support for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.