🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has approved a American-supported measure that favors Moroccan position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Morocco's Position

While the recent decision was split, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys support from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The document refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Real autonomy under Morocco's authority could constitute a very practical solution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Results and Global Responses

The United States, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 nations in deciding in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been done for more than thirty years. Prior renewals, however, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all sides involved to "seize this unprecedented chance for a enduring peace." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to assess the operation's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Present Situation

The change could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has eluded settlement, desdespite a UN security mission that was intended to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have vowed not to give up their fight for independence.

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

Past Context and Recent Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to facilitate a vote on independence, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a long highway. Government subsidies keep food and energy prices affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly documented security activity, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level tensions".

Global Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal presence," adding peace "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict represents the central issue in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN representative suggested dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might question the UN's function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain useful."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for UN programmes and agencies, including security operations.