🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has adopted a American-supported resolution that supports Moroccan claim regarding the contested territory, despite significant resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Moroccan Position

While Friday's decision was split, the measure represents the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which additionally has backing from the majority of European Union members and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Key Components

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the document doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very practical solution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastal desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Decision Results and International Responses

The US, which proposed the measure, led 11 nations in deciding in support, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's primary supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, said that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also renews the UN security mission in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior extensions, however, have not included a mention to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all parties participating to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Current Situation

The change could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has eluded settlement, desdespite a UN security mission that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow strip known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Background and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the contested territory, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was paving to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly documented security activity, while the government has mostly denied open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding peace "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in regional diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of development might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be effective."

The push to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including peacekeeping.