UN Backs Measure Favoring Morocco's Claim on Disputed Territory

UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed measure that favors Morocco's claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

While the recent decision was divided, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to retain control over the territory, which additionally has backing from most EU members and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The resolution describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to previous resolutions, the text makes no mention of a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the approach long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

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

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people native to the disputed region.

Decision Results and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the resolution, guided 11 nations in voting in favor, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the UN, said the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, said that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "contains a series of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior extensions, though, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its allies' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all sides participating to "seize this unique chance for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Conditions

The shift could disrupt a protracted situation that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN security operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested region, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. Government support keep food and energy prices affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route the government was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly documented military operations, while the government has mostly denied active fighting. The UN describes it "limited hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged the government to specify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a lack of progress might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be useful."

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