🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has passed a US-backed measure that supports Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite strong opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although the recent decision was split, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain control over the region, which also has backing from the majority of EU countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Resolution Structure and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for talks. As with previous resolutions, the document doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

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

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Patterns and International Reactions

The US, which proposed the resolution, led 11 countries in deciding in support, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping mission in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior extensions, though, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it requests the UN leader to assess the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted process that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN security operation that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Context and Current Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the contested region, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. Government support keep basic commodity costs low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly reported military operations, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Future Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal presence," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in regional international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN representative proposed partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, including security operations.