🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council has adopted a American-supported measure that supports Morocco's claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

While Friday's decision was split, the measure constitutes the most significant support yet for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys support from the majority of European Union members and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a basis for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the text doesn't include a vote on independence that includes independence as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan authority could constitute a very feasible solution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastal desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested region.

Voting Patterns and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the resolution, led 11 nations in deciding in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's primary supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Review

The measure also renews the United Nations security mission in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been done for over thirty years. Prior extensions, however, have not included a mention to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The measure calls on all parties participating to "seize this unique chance for a enduring peace." Based on progress, it requests the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Area Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Protests have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow strip 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 facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has developed the contested territory, constructing a deepwater port and a long highway. State support keep food and energy prices affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement ended the truce in recent years after confrontations near a road the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently reported military operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

Global Relations and Future Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not join any process aiming "to validate Morocco's illegal military occupation," adding peace "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco views support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged the government to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a absence of development might question the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain effective."

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