🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed resolution that favors Moroccan position regarding the disputed territory, despite fierce opposition from Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While Friday's vote was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest support yet for Morocco's plan to retain control over the territory, which also enjoys backing from most EU countries and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on independence that includes sovereignty as an choice, which represents the approach long favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Real self-rule under Moroccan authority could represent a very feasible resolution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 countries in deciding in support, while three nations – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "build on 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 advancement on previous versions, it "contains a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the territory for another twelve months, as has been done for more than three decades. Previous extensions, though, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The measure calls on all parties participating to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Regional Consequences and Current Conditions

The shift could unsettle a protracted situation that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a UN security operation that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of the territory, except for a thin area called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario ended the truce in 2020 after clashes near a route Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has since frequently reported military operations, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN calls it "low-level hostilities".

Global Relations and Future Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion no party accepted. He urged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a absence of development might question the United Nations' role 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 reduces financial support for UN programmes and organizations, including peacekeeping.