🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has adopted a American-supported measure that supports Moroccan position regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce opposition from Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

Although Friday's decision was split, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which also has backing from most EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Resolution Structure and Important Components

The resolution describes Morocco's plan as a basis for talks. As with earlier resolutions, the document makes no mention of a vote on independence that includes sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a most feasible resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the area of a US state which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed region.

Decision Patterns and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in deciding in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

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

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the United Nations security operation in the territory for an additional year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous renewals, however, have not included a mention to Morocco and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution urges all sides involved to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting resolution." Based on developments, it requests the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN security operation that was intended to be short-term. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin area known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Context and Current Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested territory, building a deepwater port and a long road. State support keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly reported security activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN representative suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged the government to specify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a lack of development might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be useful."

The push to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering peacekeeping.