United Nations Endorses Measure Supporting Moroccan Claim on Western Sahara

The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed measure that favors Morocco's position regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite significant opposition from Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

While Friday's decision was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest support yet for Morocco's plan to maintain control over the region, which additionally enjoys support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most feasible solution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of a US state which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the disputed region.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the resolution, led 11 nations in deciding in support, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Security Operation and Future Review

The resolution also extends the UN security mission in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous extensions, however, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its allies' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all sides participating to "seize this unique chance for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it requests the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Present 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. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to abandon their struggle for independence.

Morocco administers nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin strip known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has developed the disputed region, building a maritime facility and a long highway. Government support keep food and energy prices affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as major settlements.

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

The group has subsequently frequently documented security operations, while the government has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

Global Diplomacy and Future Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to validate Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," adding resolution "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

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

Last October, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a lack of development might question the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

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