United Nations Approves Resolution Favoring Morocco's Position on Western Sahara

UN's top security body has adopted a American-supported measure that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Position

Although Friday's decision was split, the measure represents the most significant support yet for Moroccan plan to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also has support from the majority of EU countries and a growing number of African partners.

Resolution Structure and Key Components

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. As with previous measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan authority could constitute a very feasible resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of a US state which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed region.

Voting Results and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the resolution, led eleven countries in voting in favor, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the UN, said the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the UN, said that while the measure was an advancement on previous versions, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Future Assessment

The measure also extends the UN security mission in the territory for an additional year, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior renewals, though, have not included a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome.

The UN resolution urges all parties involved to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring peace." Depending on progress, it asks the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Area Consequences and Current Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for many years has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where residents have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, excluding a thin strip called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Events

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

Through time, Morocco has developed the disputed territory, building a maritime facility and a long highway. State support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly documented security operations, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN calls it "low-level tensions".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

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

The situation constitutes the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco views support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would involve and warned that a lack of progress might question the UN's role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering peacekeeping.