🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed resolution that favors Morocco's claim regarding the disputed territory, despite strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

Although the recent vote was split, the measure represents the strongest support to date for Moroccan proposal to maintain control over the territory, which also has backing from the majority of EU members and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. As with earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a vote on independence that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Information

The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastline desert the area of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Voting Patterns and International Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 countries in voting in favor, while 3 countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Future Review

The measure also renews the UN security operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been done for over thirty years. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its allies' preferred resolution.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "take this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Conditions

The change could disrupt a protracted situation that for many years has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco controls almost all of the territory, excluding a thin area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Background and Current Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. State support keep food and energy costs low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a route Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has since regularly reported security activity, while the government has primarily denied open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Future Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to validate Morocco's illegal presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be useful."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States reduces financial support for UN programmes and organizations, including security operations.