🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has passed a US-backed resolution that supports Morocco's position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Moroccan Position

Although the recent decision was divided, the resolution constitutes the strongest support to date for Moroccan proposal to retain control over the region, which also enjoys backing from most European Union countries and a growing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Framework and Important Components

The document describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for negotiation. As with previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes independence as an option, which constitutes the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan authority could represent a most practical solution.

Historical Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastal arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Decision Results and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the measure, led 11 countries in deciding in favor, while 3 nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary supporter, did not participate.

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

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the UN, said that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier versions, it "contains a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Assessment

The measure also extends the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome.

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

Area Impact and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN security mission that was intended to be temporary. Protests have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to give up their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. State support keep food and energy prices low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

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

The movement has subsequently regularly reported military activity, while the government has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations calls it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not participate in any process intending "to validate Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding resolution "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views support for its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a lack of development might question the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces financial support for UN programmes and agencies, including security operations.