🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed measure that supports Morocco's claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Position

Although the recent vote was divided, the measure represents the most significant endorsement to date for Moroccan plan to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally has support from most European Union members and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's authority could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the measure, led 11 countries in voting in support, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the UN, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the UN, commented that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "contains a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Assessment

The measure also extends the UN security operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been done for over thirty years. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Present Conditions

The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for many years has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep food and energy prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently reported security activity, while the government has mostly denied open conflict. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not join any process aiming "to validate Morocco's illegal military occupation," saying resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative suggested dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side accepted. He urged Morocco to specify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a absence of progress might question the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including peacekeeping.