🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has approved a US-backed resolution that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Moroccan Position

Although the recent decision was split, the resolution represents the most significant support yet for Moroccan plan to retain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys support from most European Union countries and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a foundation for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the text makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the solution long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a most feasible resolution.

Historical Information

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the resolution, led 11 countries in deciding in favor, while 3 nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's main supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed peace in the region".

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

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior renewals, though, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its allies' preferred outcome.

The measure calls on all sides participating to "take this unique chance for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The change could disrupt a protracted situation that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN peacekeeping mission that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

Morocco administers almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Background and Recent Events

A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity costs low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a road Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly documented security operations, while the government has primarily denied open conflict. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

Global Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The situation represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side accepted. He urged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would involve and warned that a lack of progress might question the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be useful."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, including peacekeeping.