🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has passed a American-supported resolution that supports Moroccan position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Moroccan Position

While the recent vote was divided, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to retain control over the territory, which also enjoys support from the majority of European Union members and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Resolution Framework and Key Components

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the approach long favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most practical solution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the area of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed region.

Voting Patterns and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the resolution, led 11 countries in deciding in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

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

Security Mission and Future Review

The measure also renews the UN security operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been done for over thirty years. Previous renewals, however, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "seize this unique opportunity for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the UN leader to review the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Consequences and Present Conditions

The change could unsettle a long-stalled process that for many years has escaped settlement, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Background and Recent Developments

A 1991-era truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a long road. State subsidies keep basic commodity costs low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a road Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently documented military operations, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not join any process aiming "to validate Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," adding resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in regional international relations. Morocco views support for its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain effective."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, including security operations.