The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed measure that endorses Moroccan position regarding the disputed territory, despite fierce opposition from Algeria.
Split Vote Bolsters Morocco's Position
Although the recent vote was split, the resolution represents the most significant support to date for Moroccan proposal to retain control over the region, which also has backing from most EU countries and a growing number of African nation partners.
Resolution Framework and Important Elements
The document refers to Moroccan proposal as a basis for talks. As with previous measures, the text doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.
Real autonomy under Morocco's authority could constitute a most practical solution.
Background Information
Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastline arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed region.
Decision Results and Global Responses
The US, which proposed the resolution, led eleven nations in deciding in support, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.
Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, said the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed resolution in the region".
Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies".
Security Operation and Upcoming Assessment
The measure also renews the UN peacekeeping operation in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous extensions, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.
The measure urges all sides participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within half a year.
Regional Consequences and Present Situation
The shift could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping operation that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.
Morocco controls nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow strip called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.
Historical Context and Current Developments
A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.
Over the years, Morocco has transformed the contested region, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. State subsidies keep food and energy costs low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as major settlements.
Polisario ended the ceasefire in recent years after confrontations near a route the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.
The movement has subsequently regularly reported security operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions".
International Relations and Future Prospects
Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative intending "to validate Moroccan unauthorized presence," adding resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".
The situation represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco considers support for its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.
Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning the territory, a suggestion no party agreed to. He encouraged the government to clarify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain useful."
The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.
