🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has approved a American-supported measure that favors Moroccan position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding fierce opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

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

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The resolution describes Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on independence that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most practical resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, guided eleven nations in deciding in support, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary supporter, did not vote.

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

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

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also renews the UN security operation in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been done for over three decades. Prior extensions, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution urges all parties involved to "take this unique chance for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to review the operation's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Current Conditions

The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have vowed not to give up their fight for self-determination.

Morocco controls nearly all of the territory, except for a thin strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on independence, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed territory, building a maritime facility and a long highway. Government subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

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

The group has subsequently regularly documented security activity, while Morocco has mostly denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "limited tensions".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not join any initiative aiming "to validate Morocco's illegal presence," saying resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation constitutes the central issue in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative suggested dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to specify what autonomy would entail and warned that a lack of development might question the UN's role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain useful."

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