UN Approves Measure Favoring Morocco's Position on Western Sahara

The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed measure that endorses Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although the recent vote was divided, the measure constitutes the strongest support yet for Moroccan plan to maintain control over the region, which also has support from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Resolution Structure and Key Elements

The document refers to Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very feasible solution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastline arid land the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people native to the contested territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the measure, led 11 countries in voting in favor, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

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

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an advancement on previous versions, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also extends the United Nations security operation in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior renewals, however, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties participating to "take this unique chance for a lasting peace." Based on developments, it asks the UN leader to assess the operation's mandate within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The change could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for decades has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations security operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have pledged not to abandon their struggle for independence.

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

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991-era truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a long road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the truce in recent years after clashes near a route the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has since frequently documented military operations, while the government has primarily denied open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The situation represents the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN representative proposed partitioning the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to specify 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 initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.