🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has adopted a American-supported measure that supports Morocco's position regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Morocco's Position

While Friday's vote was divided, the measure represents the strongest support to date for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which also has backing from most EU countries and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The document describes Moroccan proposal as a foundation for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the text makes no mention of a referendum on independence that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Real self-rule under Morocco's authority could represent a most feasible resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Decision Results and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led eleven nations in voting in support, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, the movement's main supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "contains a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also extends the United Nations security operation in the territory for another year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' favored outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all sides participating to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Based on developments, it requests the UN leader to review the operation's mandate within half a year.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where residents have vowed not to abandon their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a thin strip called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Context and Current Events

A 1991-era truce was meant to facilitate a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the contested region, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a road Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently reported military operations, while Morocco has primarily denied open conflict. The United Nations calls it "low-level hostilities".

Global Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

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

The situation constitutes the driving force in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government views support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN representative suggested dividing Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He urged Morocco to specify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

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