🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has approved a American-supported measure that favors Moroccan position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Morocco's Position

Although Friday's decision was divided, the resolution represents the strongest support yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which also has backing from the majority of European Union members and a increasing number of African allies.

Resolution Structure and Important Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. As with previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains independence as an choice, which represents the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed region.

Decision Results and International Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 nations in voting in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

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

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also extends the UN security operation in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been done for more than thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The measure urges all parties involved to "seize this unique chance for a enduring peace." Depending on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Conditions

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations security operation that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a thin area known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991-era truce was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested territory, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity costs low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has since regularly reported military activity, while Morocco has mostly denied open conflict. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Future Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to validate Morocco's illegal presence," saying peace "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The situation represents the central issue in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative suggested dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged the government to specify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain useful."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.