🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has approved a American-supported resolution that endorses Moroccan position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite strong resistance from Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

While Friday's decision was split, the resolution constitutes the most significant support to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain control over the region, which additionally has backing from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Structure and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier measures, the text doesn't include a vote on independence that includes independence as an choice, which constitutes the solution long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most practical resolution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline desert the area of Colorado which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Results and Global Responses

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led eleven countries in voting in support, while 3 nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the UN, said the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the UN security operation in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it asks the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Area Consequences and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a protracted process that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security mission that was intended to be short-term. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for independence.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a narrow area called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Context and Recent Developments

A 1991-era truce was meant to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has developed the contested region, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep basic commodity costs low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently reported security operations, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any process intending "to validate Moroccan illegal military occupation," adding peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The situation constitutes the central issue in regional diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what autonomy would involve and warned that a absence of development might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.