🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has passed a American-supported resolution that supports Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Morocco's Stance

Although the recent decision was split, the measure constitutes the most significant support to date for Moroccan plan to maintain control over the territory, which additionally enjoys support from most EU countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Resolution Framework and Important Elements

The resolution describes Moroccan proposal as a foundation for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the text doesn't include a vote on self-determination that includes independence as an choice, which represents the solution traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan authority could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed region.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the resolution, guided eleven nations in deciding in support, while 3 nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Security Operation and Future Review

The resolution also renews the United Nations security mission in the territory for an additional year, as has been done for over thirty years. Previous renewals, though, have not included a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all sides participating to "take this unique chance for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it requests the UN leader to assess the operation's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have pledged not to abandon their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a thin area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Context and Current Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. State subsidies keep food and energy prices affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement ended the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a road Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently reported military operations, while the government has primarily denied open conflict. The UN describes it "limited tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not join any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in north African international relations. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal no party accepted. He encouraged the government to clarify what self-rule would involve and warned that a absence of progress might question the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain effective."

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