UN Backs Resolution Supporting Moroccan Position on Western Sahara

UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed measure that favors Moroccan position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite strong resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Moroccan Position

While Friday's decision was split, the resolution represents the most significant endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which additionally has support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Resolution Framework and Important Elements

The document describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the document doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a most feasible resolution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Results and Global Responses

The US, which proposed the measure, led eleven countries in voting in support, while three countries – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the UN, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also extends the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been done for more than thirty years. Prior extensions, though, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting resolution." Based on developments, it asks the secretary general to review the operation's authority within half a year.

Area Consequences and Present Conditions

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded settlement, desdespite a UN peacekeeping operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of Western Sahara, except for a thin strip known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Context and Current Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to facilitate a vote on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed territory, building a maritime facility and a long road. Government support keep food and energy prices affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a route Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently documented military activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN calls it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," adding peace "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of development might raise questions about the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the United States reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including peacekeeping.