🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has passed a American-supported resolution that endorses Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, despite significant resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

While the recent decision was split, the measure represents the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's plan to retain control over the territory, which also enjoys backing from most EU countries and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The resolution describes Moroccan plan as a basis for talks. As with earlier measures, the text doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastline arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed region.

Decision Patterns and International Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the measure, led 11 nations in voting in support, while three countries – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

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

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping operation in the territory for another year, as has been done for over three decades. Previous extensions, though, have not included a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all sides participating to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has eluded settlement, desdespite a UN security operation that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

Morocco administers almost all of the territory, except for a thin strip called the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Context and Current Events

A 1991 truce was intended to facilitate a referendum on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed territory, building a deepwater port and a long road. Government support keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in recent years after confrontations near a route Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently reported security operations, while the government has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The UN calls it "limited tensions".

International Relations and Coming Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any process aiming "to validate Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding peace "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed partitioning the territory, a suggestion no party accepted. He urged the government to clarify what self-rule would entail 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 push to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering peacekeeping.