🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed measure that favors Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Moroccan Stance

Although the recent vote was divided, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which additionally enjoys support from most EU members and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Resolution Structure and Key Elements

The document refers to Moroccan plan as a basis for talks. As with earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the solution long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Morocco's authority could constitute a most practical solution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of a US state which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, led eleven countries in voting in support, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the UN, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, said that while the measure was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior renewals, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome.

The measure urges all parties participating to "take this unique chance for a enduring resolution." Based on developments, it requests the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Conditions

The shift could unsettle a protracted situation that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a United Nations security operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where residents have vowed not to give up their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Background and Recent Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a long road. State support keep food and energy prices affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

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

The movement has since frequently documented military activity, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The UN calls it "low-level tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco considers support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN representative suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering peacekeeping.