🔗 Share this article

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

Split Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

Although the recent decision was divided, the measure represents the most significant support to date for Morocco's plan to retain control over the region, which additionally enjoys support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African partners.

Resolution Framework and Key Elements

The document describes Moroccan plan as a basis for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a very feasible resolution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed region.

Decision Results and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the measure, led 11 countries in voting in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's primary supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the UN, commented that while the measure was an advancement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Review

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The measure urges all parties participating to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring resolution." Depending on progress, it requests the UN leader to assess the operation's authority within six months.

Area Consequences and Current Conditions

The shift could disrupt a protracted process that for many years has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow strip known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Background and Recent Events

A 1991-era truce was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. State subsidies keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the truce in 2020 after clashes near a route the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently documented military activity, while the government has primarily denied open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not participate in any process intending "to validate Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," adding resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The situation constitutes the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a lack of development might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be useful."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.