🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has passed a American-supported resolution that endorses Moroccan claim regarding the contested territory, despite significant opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

Although the recent vote was split, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also has backing from most European Union members and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Framework and Important Elements

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

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very practical resolution.

Historical Information

The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 countries in voting in favor, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an improvement on previous versions, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also renews the UN security operation in the territory for an additional year, as has been done for over thirty years. Previous extensions, however, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "seize this unique opportunity for a lasting resolution." Based on developments, it requests the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has eluded settlement, desdespite a UN security mission that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of the territory, except for a narrow strip called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Background and Current Developments

A 1991 truce was meant to facilitate a referendum on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the contested territory, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep food and energy prices low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario ended the truce in recent years after clashes near a route the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has since regularly documented security activity, while the government has mostly denied open conflict. The UN describes it "limited tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal presence," saying resolution "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in north African international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a suggestion no party agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of development might question the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be useful."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering peacekeeping.