🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed resolution that supports Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, despite strong resistance from Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Moroccan Stance

While the recent decision was divided, the measure represents the most significant endorsement to date for Moroccan plan to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also enjoys support from most EU countries and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Key Components

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the text doesn't include a vote on independence that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the solution traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's authority could represent a very feasible solution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the measure, guided eleven countries in voting in favor, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's primary supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Future Review

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

The measure urges all parties involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Area Consequences and Current Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a thin strip called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Context and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the contested region, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in recent years after confrontations near a road Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently documented military activity, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations calls it "limited hostilities".

Global Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

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

The conflict represents the central issue in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a proposal no party accepted. He urged the government to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be useful."

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