🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed resolution that supports Morocco's position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite significant opposition from Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

While Friday's decision was split, the measure constitutes the strongest support to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain control over the territory, which also has support from the majority of EU countries and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a foundation for negotiation. As with previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Morocco's authority could represent a most practical solution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested region.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the measure, led 11 nations in deciding in favor, while three countries – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's primary supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier versions, it "contains a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping operation in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior extensions, though, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its allies' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution urges all sides participating to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Based on developments, it asks the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Current Conditions

The change could disrupt a protracted situation that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a United Nations security operation that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a narrow area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Context and Current Developments

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

Through time, Morocco has transformed the contested region, constructing a deepwater port and a long highway. State subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a road the government was paving to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly reported military operations, while Morocco has mostly denied active fighting. The United Nations describes it "limited tensions".

International Relations and Future Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The situation constitutes the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco considers endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN representative suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged the government to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a lack of development might raise questions about the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain effective."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering security operations.