🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has passed a American-supported measure that supports Morocco's position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding strong resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While the recent decision was split, the measure represents the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also has backing from most EU countries and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a vote on independence that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's authority could constitute a most feasible resolution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal arid land the area of a US state which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and International Responses

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, guided 11 nations in voting in support, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the United Nations, said 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 ambassador to the UN, commented that while the measure was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also extends the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the operation's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Present Conditions

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN security mission that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, except for a thin area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to facilitate a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a long road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently documented military operations, while the government has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The UN calls it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Future Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized presence," saying peace "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would involve and warned that a lack of progress might question the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain effective."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, including security operations.