🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has adopted a American-supported resolution that favors Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding fierce opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

While the recent decision was split, the measure represents the most significant support yet for Moroccan plan to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also enjoys support from most European Union countries and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The document describes Moroccan plan as a basis for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the document doesn't include a vote on independence that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan authority could represent a very practical resolution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the area of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The United States, which proposed the measure, led 11 nations in voting in favor, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main supporter, did not participate.

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

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an advancement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also extends the UN security operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous extensions, however, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored outcome.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "take this unique opportunity for a enduring resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the UN leader to assess the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Consequences and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for many years has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN security mission that was intended to be temporary. Protests have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow area known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a vote on independence, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested region, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep food and energy prices low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has since frequently documented military operations, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "limited tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Future Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan unauthorized presence," saying peace "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

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

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing the territory, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged the government to specify 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 remain useful."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the United States reduces funding for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.