United Nations Backs Resolution Supporting Moroccan Position on Disputed Territory

The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed measure that favors Moroccan position regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite strong resistance from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

While Friday's vote was divided, the measure constitutes the most significant endorsement yet for Moroccan plan to retain control over the territory, which also enjoys backing from most EU countries and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Resolution Framework and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier resolutions, the text makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a very feasible resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people native to the contested territory.

Decision Results and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 countries in deciding in favor, while three nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the UN, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an improvement on previous versions, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Future Review

The resolution also renews the UN security operation in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior extensions, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all sides involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Consequences and Current Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped resolution, desdespite a UN security operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have vowed not to give up their fight for independence.

Morocco controls nearly all of the territory, except for a thin area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Background and Recent Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a referendum on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a long highway. Government support keep basic commodity costs low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement ended the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a road the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly documented military activity, while the government has mostly denied open conflict. The United Nations calls it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal neither side agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a lack of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain useful."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.