🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has approved a American-supported measure that endorses Morocco's position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding strong opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Morocco's Position

While Friday's decision was split, the measure constitutes the most significant support to date for Morocco's plan to retain sovereignty over the region, which also has support from most European Union members and a growing number of African allies.

Resolution Framework and Important Elements

The document refers to Moroccan plan as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the text doesn't include a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very practical solution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the measure, led 11 nations in deciding in support, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main supporter, did not vote.

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

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on previous versions, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Future Review

The resolution also renews the United Nations security operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been done for more than three decades. Previous extensions, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "seize this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it requests the UN leader to assess the operation's authority within half a year.

Regional Impact and Present Conditions

The shift could disrupt a protracted situation that for decades has escaped resolution, desdespite a UN peacekeeping mission that was intended to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where residents have vowed not to give up their fight for self-determination.

Morocco administers almost all of the territory, except for a thin strip known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Context and Current Events

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

Through time, Morocco has transformed the contested territory, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. State subsidies keep basic commodity costs low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement ended the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a route Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently documented security activity, while the government has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The UN calls it "low-level tensions".

Global Relations and Coming Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," adding resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African international relations. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN representative suggested dividing the territory, a proposal no party accepted. He urged the government to specify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of progress might question the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the United States slashes financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering peacekeeping.