UN Approves Measure Favoring Morocco's Claim on Western Sahara

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

Split Vote Bolsters Moroccan Position

Although Friday's decision was divided, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally enjoys support from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Important Components

The resolution describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier measures, the text doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains independence as an option, which represents the solution traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan authority could constitute a most practical solution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Voting Results and International Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, led eleven countries in voting in favor, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "significant" and would "advance 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 improvement on previous versions, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The measure also renews the United Nations security mission in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Previous renewals, however, have not included a mention to Morocco and its allies' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution urges all sides participating to "seize this unique chance for a enduring peace." Depending on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Present Conditions

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for many years has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN security operation that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, except for a thin area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Background and Current Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed territory, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the truce in recent years after clashes near a route Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently reported military operations, while the government has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations describes it "limited tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the central issue in regional international relations. The Moroccan government considers support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain effective."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes financial support for UN programmes and organizations, including peacekeeping.