The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed resolution that favors Morocco's position regarding the disputed territory, despite fierce opposition from Algeria.
Divided Decision Strengthens Morocco's Position
Although the recent vote was divided, the resolution represents the most significant support to date for Morocco's plan to maintain control over the territory, which also has support from most EU countries and a growing number of African nation partners.
Measure Framework and Key Elements
The document describes Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with previous resolutions, the document doesn't include a referendum on independence that includes sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.
Real self-rule under Morocco's authority could constitute a very practical resolution.
Background Information
The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed territory.
Decision Results and Global Responses
The United States, which proposed the measure, led eleven countries in voting in favor, while three nations – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote.
Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed resolution in the region".
Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".
Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Review
The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been done for over three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' preferred outcome.
The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting resolution." Depending on progress, it requests the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.
Area Impact and Current Situation
The change could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a UN security mission that was intended to be short-term. Protests have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have vowed not to abandon their struggle for independence.
The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, excluding a thin area called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.
Past Context and Recent Developments
A 1991-era truce was intended to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.
Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a long highway. State support keep food and energy costs affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.
Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a road Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.
The group has subsequently frequently reported security operations, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The UN describes it "limited tensions".
Global Relations and Coming Prospects
In response to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to validate Moroccan unauthorized presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".
The conflict represents the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.
Last October, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a suggestion no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a absence of progress might question the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain effective."
The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, including peacekeeping.
