🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has approved a American-supported resolution that endorses Moroccan position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite fierce resistance from Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

Although Friday's decision was divided, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to retain control over the territory, which additionally has backing from most EU members and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. As with previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains independence as an choice, which represents the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's authority could represent a most practical resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Voting Results and International Responses

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in voting in support, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's primary benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also extends the United Nations security operation in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been done for more than three decades. Previous extensions, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored outcome.

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "take this unique chance for a enduring peace." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Present Conditions

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a UN security operation that was intended to be short-term. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, except for a narrow strip known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Background and Recent Events

A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a long road. State support keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a route the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has since frequently documented security operations, while Morocco has primarily denied open conflict. The UN calls it "limited tensions".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal presence," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of development might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain useful."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.