UN Backs Measure Favoring Moroccan Claim on Western Sahara

UN's top security body has approved a US-backed resolution that endorses Morocco's position regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding significant resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Morocco's Position

While the recent decision was divided, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which additionally has backing from most European Union countries and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Framework and Important Components

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier resolutions, the document makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes independence as an option, which represents the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Morocco's authority could constitute a very practical resolution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastal desert 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 temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the resolution, led 11 nations in voting in favor, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous 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 twelve months, as has been done for over three decades. Previous renewals, however, have not included a reference to Morocco and its allies' preferred outcome.

The measure urges all parties involved to "seize this unprecedented chance for a enduring peace." Based on developments, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Present Conditions

The change could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a United Nations security operation that was designed to be temporary. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in Algeria this recent period, where residents have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of Western Sahara, except for a thin area called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Background and Recent Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long road. Government subsidies keep food and energy prices affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly documented security activity, while Morocco has mostly denied open conflict. The UN describes it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal military occupation," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in regional diplomacy. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would involve and warned that a absence of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.