🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed measure that supports Moroccan position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While the recent decision was divided, the measure constitutes the most significant support yet for Morocco's proposal to retain control over the territory, which additionally enjoys backing from the majority of European Union members and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The document refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to previous measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that includes independence as an option, which constitutes the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan authority could represent a very feasible resolution.

Background Information

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the area of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in deciding in favor, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the UN, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the UN, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also extends the United Nations security operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been done for over three decades. Previous renewals, however, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.

The measure calls on all sides involved to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the UN leader to review the operation's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Present Conditions

The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for many years has eluded settlement, desdespite a United Nations security operation that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this week, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.

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

Historical Context and Current Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the contested territory, building a deepwater port and a long road. State support keep food and energy costs low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The movement has subsequently regularly documented military activity, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the central issue in regional diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what autonomy would involve and warned that a absence of progress might question the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be effective."

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