🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has adopted a American-supported resolution that favors Moroccan position regarding the disputed territory, despite significant resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Moroccan Position

Although the recent decision was divided, the measure constitutes the most significant endorsement to date for Moroccan plan to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also enjoys support from the majority of EU members and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Important Components

The document describes Moroccan plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that includes independence as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most feasible resolution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastline arid land the area of a US state which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Decision Results and Global Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the measure, led eleven countries in voting in support, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Future Review

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored resolution.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "seize this unprecedented chance for a enduring peace." Depending on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the operation's mandate within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Conditions

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has escaped settlement, desdespite a UN security operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow area known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era truce was meant to facilitate a vote on independence, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, building a maritime facility and a long road. State subsidies keep food and energy prices low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a road the government was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently documented military activity, while the government has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

Global Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal presence," saying resolution "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be effective."

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