🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has passed a US-backed measure that favors Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, despite significant resistance from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

While Friday's vote was split, the measure represents the most significant support yet for Morocco's plan to retain control over the territory, which additionally enjoys support from most EU members and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Measure Framework and Key Components

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a basis for negotiation. As with previous measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan authority could constitute a very practical resolution.

Background Context

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of a US state which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Results and International Reactions

The United States, which proposed the measure, led 11 countries in voting in favor, while three countries – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, said that while the measure was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in the territory for another year, as has been done for over three decades. Previous extensions, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The measure calls on all parties participating to "seize this unique opportunity for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it asks the secretary general to review the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Conditions

The shift could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a UN security operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for independence.

Morocco controls almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Context and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a long road. State subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the truce in recent years after clashes near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly documented security activity, while Morocco has primarily denied open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views support for its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal neither side agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the UN's role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain useful."

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