🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has approved a US-backed measure that endorses Moroccan claim regarding the contested territory, despite fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Moroccan Position

While Friday's decision was split, the resolution represents the strongest support yet for Moroccan plan to retain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally has support from the majority of European Union members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Framework and Important Elements

The resolution describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan authority could represent a most feasible solution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led eleven nations in voting in support, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the UN, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier versions, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Upcoming Assessment

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

The measure urges all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to review the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN security mission that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin strip known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Background and Recent Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government support keep food and energy costs affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the truce in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has since regularly reported military operations, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not join any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal presence," adding resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN representative suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side accepted. He urged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.