United Nations Endorses Resolution Supporting Morocco's Position on Disputed Territory

UN's top security body has passed a US-backed resolution that favors Morocco's position regarding the disputed territory, despite significant opposition from Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

While Friday's decision was divided, the resolution constitutes the strongest support yet for Morocco's proposal to retain control over the region, which also enjoys backing from the majority of European Union countries and a growing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Framework and Important Elements

The document refers to Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Morocco's authority could constitute a very feasible resolution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastal desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and International Responses

The US, which proposed the measure, led 11 countries in deciding in support, while three countries – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's primary benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the UN, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the UN, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been done for over three decades. Previous extensions, however, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all sides involved to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it requests the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted situation that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a United Nations security mission that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow area known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Background and Current Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long road. State subsidies keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly reported military operations, while Morocco has mostly denied active fighting. The UN calls it "limited tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation constitutes the central issue in north African diplomacy. Morocco considers support for its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a proposal no party accepted. He encouraged the government to clarify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a absence of progress might question the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes funding for UN programmes and agencies, covering peacekeeping.