🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed resolution that favors Moroccan position regarding the contested territory, despite fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Moroccan Stance

While the recent decision was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest support yet for Morocco's plan to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also has support from most EU members and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The document describes Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with previous resolutions, the document doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the solution traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a very practical resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Patterns and International Reactions

The US, which proposed the measure, led eleven countries in voting in favor, while three nations – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the UN, said the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been done for more than thirty years. Previous extensions, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' preferred outcome.

The measure calls on all sides participating to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Area Impact and Current Conditions

The change could unsettle a protracted process that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be temporary. Protests have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence.

Morocco controls almost all of the territory, except for a thin strip known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested territory, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep food and energy costs low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently documented security operations, while the government has mostly denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "limited tensions".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco considers support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would involve 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 useful."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering peacekeeping.