🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has passed a US-backed measure that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding strong resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While Friday's decision was divided, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement to date for Moroccan plan to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also has backing from the majority of European Union members and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Measure Structure and Key Components

The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. As with earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan authority could represent a very practical resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the contested territory.

Voting Patterns and International Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 countries in voting in favor, while three countries – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the UN, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

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

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the UN security mission in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been done for over thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its allies' preferred resolution.

The measure calls on all sides participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a enduring peace." Based on developments, it requests the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Area Impact and Present Situation

The shift could disrupt a protracted process that for decades has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a UN security operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have vowed not to abandon their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, excluding a thin strip known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a long road. State subsidies keep basic commodity costs 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 recent years after clashes near a route Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly reported military activity, while Morocco has mostly denied active fighting. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized presence," saying resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the driving force in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side accepted. He urged Morocco to specify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a lack of progress might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain effective."

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