🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has approved a US-backed measure that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding significant opposition from Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although Friday's vote was divided, the measure represents the strongest endorsement to date for Morocco's plan to retain control over the territory, which also has backing from most European Union members and a growing number of African nation allies.

Resolution Structure and Important Components

The document refers to Moroccan proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the document doesn't include a vote on independence that includes independence as an option, which constitutes the approach long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's authority could constitute a most practical resolution.

Background Information

The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastal arid land the area of a US state which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the contested territory.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 nations in deciding in support, while 3 nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the UN, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the United Nations security mission in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior extensions, however, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all sides participating to "take this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a protracted situation that for decades has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

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

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed territory, building a deepwater port and a long road. State subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a route the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently reported military operations, while Morocco has mostly denied active fighting. The UN calls it "low-level tensions".

Global Relations and Coming Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any process intending "to validate Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He urged the government to specify what self-rule would involve and warned that a absence of development might raise questions about the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful."

The push to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering peacekeeping.