🔗 Share this article

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

Split Vote Bolsters Morocco's Position

Although the recent decision was split, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally has support from the majority of European Union countries and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a basis for talks. Similar to previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the approach traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most feasible resolution.

Historical Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested region.

Voting Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided eleven nations in voting in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the UN, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the UN, commented that while the measure was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also extends the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior extensions, however, have not included a mention to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The measure urges all sides involved to "take this unique chance for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Area Impact and Present Conditions

The change could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of the territory, except for a thin strip known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Background and Recent Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has developed the contested region, constructing a deepwater port and a long road. State support keep food and energy costs low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The group has subsequently frequently reported military activity, while Morocco has mostly denied open conflict. The UN describes it "limited tensions".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not join any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal presence," adding resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He urged the government to specify what self-rule would involve and warned that a lack of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain effective."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces funding for UN programmes and organizations, covering security operations.