🔗 Share this article

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

Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Position

Although the recent decision was split, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement to date for Morocco's plan to retain control over the territory, which additionally enjoys backing from most European Union members and a growing number of African partners.

Resolution Structure and Key Components

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for talks. Similar to previous measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the solution long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most practical solution.

Background Context

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

Decision Patterns and International Reactions

The US, which proposed the measure, guided eleven nations in voting in favor, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the UN, said the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, said that while the measure was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Review

The measure also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been done for over three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties involved to "take this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to review the operation's mandate within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Present Situation

The shift could disrupt a protracted process that for many years has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a UN security operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous settlements in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

Morocco controls almost all of Western Sahara, except for a thin area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has developed the contested region, constructing a deepwater port and a long road. Government subsidies keep food and energy prices low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after confrontations near a road the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has since regularly documented security operations, while Morocco has primarily denied open conflict. The United Nations calls it "limited tensions".

International Relations and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," saying resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed dividing the territory, a suggestion no party accepted. He urged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of progress might question the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces funding for UN programmes and agencies, including security operations.