🔗 Share this article

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

Split Vote Strengthens Morocco's Position

While the recent vote was split, the measure represents the most significant support yet for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also has backing from most European Union members and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The document describes Moroccan plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most practical resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which proposed the resolution, led eleven nations in voting in favor, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not vote.

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

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

Security Mission and Future Review

The resolution also extends the UN security operation in the territory for an additional year, as has been done for more than three decades. Previous extensions, though, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "seize this unique chance for a lasting peace." Based on developments, it requests the UN leader to assess the operation's mandate within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The change could unsettle a protracted situation that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, except for a thin strip called the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

A 1991 truce was intended to facilitate a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. State subsidies keep food and energy costs low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

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

The movement has since regularly documented security operations, while Morocco has primarily denied open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Future Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any process intending "to validate Moroccan unauthorized presence," saying resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco considers support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would involve and warned that a absence of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain effective."

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