🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has passed a US-backed measure that supports Morocco's claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding significant resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although Friday's vote was split, the resolution represents the most significant support yet for Moroccan proposal to retain control over the region, which also enjoys support from most EU members and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains independence as an option, which represents the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a most feasible resolution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of a US state which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the resolution, guided eleven countries in deciding in favor, while 3 nations – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous iterations, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in the territory for another year, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not included a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a enduring resolution." Based on developments, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Area Impact and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a UN peacekeeping mission that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for independence.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, except for a narrow area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Background and Current Events

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested territory, building a deepwater port and a long road. State subsidies keep basic commodity costs low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the truce in recent years after clashes near a route the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently documented security operations, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level tensions".

Global Relations and Future Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not join any initiative aiming "to validate Morocco's illegal presence," adding resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government views support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a absence of development might raise questions about the UN's role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain useful."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.