🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has adopted a American-supported measure that supports Moroccan position regarding the contested territory, despite strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Moroccan Position

While the recent decision was split, the measure constitutes the most significant support to date for Moroccan proposal to maintain control over the region, which additionally has support from the majority of EU members and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Resolution Structure and Key Components

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the text doesn't include a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most practical solution.

Background Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Voting Results and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the resolution, led 11 countries in voting in favor, while three nations – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the UN, said the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the UN, commented that while the measure was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Security Operation and Upcoming Review

The resolution also extends the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the territory for another year, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior extensions, though, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "seize this unique opportunity for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The change could unsettle a protracted situation that for many years has escaped settlement, desdespite a UN security operation that was designed to be temporary. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have vowed not to abandon their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin strip known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Background and Recent Events

A 1991-era truce was intended to facilitate a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has developed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. State support keep food and energy prices low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario ended the truce in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has since frequently reported security operations, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

Global Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in regional diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing the territory, a suggestion no party accepted. He urged the government to clarify what self-rule would involve and warned that a lack of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.