🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has passed a US-backed resolution that endorses Moroccan claim regarding the contested territory, despite strong resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Position

Although the recent decision was split, the measure represents the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys support from most European Union members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Structure and Key Components

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a basis for talks. Similar to previous resolutions, the text makes no mention of a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most practical solution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Results and Global Responses

The United States, which proposed the resolution, guided 11 nations in voting in support, while 3 nations – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's primary supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, said the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an improvement on previous iterations, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Review

The measure also renews the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another year, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all sides participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to review the operation's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Present Conditions

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, except for a narrow area known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. State subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The movement has since frequently documented military operations, while Morocco has mostly denied open conflict. The UN calls it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," adding peace "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in regional international relations. The Moroccan government considers support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would involve 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 still be effective."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces financial support for UN programmes and organizations, including peacekeeping.